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CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 



COLUMBUS 



AN EPIC POEM 



GIVING AN ACCURATE HISTORY OF THE GREAT DISCOVERY 
IN RHYMED HEROIC VERSE 



BY SAMUEL JEFFERSON, F.R.A.S.,F.C.S. 

Author of "The Epic of The Invinxible Armada" 




CHICAGO 

S. C. GRIGGS AND COMPANY 

1892 






Copyright 1892 
By S. C. GRir.GS and Company 



STiK ILakrsitif ^rrss 

R. R DONNELLEY &• SONS CO., CHICAGO 



CONTENTS. 



BOOK I. 



Apostrophes to Columbus 9; America 10; Genoa 11, and 
Spain 11. The Fall of Granada 12. Zovara and Abu 
Abdallah 14. The Alhambra occupied 15, and its beauties 
described 16; The hero in the Hall of the Ambassadors 
17. Speech by Queen Isabella and reply by Columbus 19. 
Ferdinand speaks 20, and Columbus unfolds his project 
21. The King and Queen promise the needed help 24. 

BOOK II. 

Negotiations Avith Fernando de Talavera, Archbishop of 
Granada 25. The Queen, advised by her Confessor, 
declines the conditions of Columbus 30. The hero sets 
out for Cordova, intending to pass to France 32. The 
Vega, and memories of the Cid 33. Quintanilla and 
Santangel persuade Isabella to grant all that Columbus 
demands 35. The hero, delayed by a storm, reaches the 
Bridge of Pinos 40. The Queen's Courier overtakes 
Columbus, 42. 

3 



iv CONTENTS. 

BOOK III. 
Arrangements concluded at Granada 43. Columbus goes to 
Palos 46. His reminiscences of former visit 47. The Court 
orders read 50. Fears of the Palos seamen 52. Pinzon 
and Columbus at the Convent of La Rabida 53. Speeches 
by Columbus 54; Garcia the Physician 56; Fray Perez 
the Prior 61, and Pinzon the Captain 62. The Crews 
confess before sailing 62. 

BOOK IV. 
The expedition sets sail August 3, 1492 63. The three caravels 
described 67. Eruption of Teneriffe 69. The leader 
gives an account of other volcanoes seen by him, and 
reassures the crews 70. Treachery on board the Pinta 
causes delay at the Canaries 72. Columbus expounds to 
the notary his fears of the ships from Portugal 74. A 
night-watch 76. Arcturus, the Star of Hope 77. The 
hero's astronomical ideas in advance of his times 79. 

BOOK V. 
Fair winds in Mid-Atlantic 80. A meteor affrights the crews 
81. Columbus reassures them 82. Deviation of the 
needle, and speech of Columbus to the pilots 84. The 
Sargasso Sea brings fresh fears 87. Signs of nearing 
land 90. Lonely watch of the hero on the last night of 
imcertainty 94. Columbus sees a torch at 10 p. m., October 
II, 1492 95. Gun on the Pinta, at 2 a. m.. next day, 
announces the first glimpse of land 96. 



CONTENTS. 



BOOK VI. 



Guanahcani revealed at dawn 98. Columbus lands and formally 
takes possession 100. Allegiance resworn by the expedi- 
tion 103. The natives and their simple mode of life 
described 105. Kindly treatment by the hero 106. Gold 
not abundant here 107. The island left after two days 
108. Columbus speaks of the Grand Khan, of his realms 
and wealth 110. 

BOOK VII. 

Description of a placid scene among the Bahamas 113. Escape 
of an Indian 115. A solitary voyager taken on board 
117. He precedes the ships to Exuma 117. That island 
described 118. The Island of Isabella 119. The natural 
beauties of this region 121. The stars of early morning 
at the end of October 122. Sunrise after Isabella is left 
123. 

BOOK VIII. 

Discovery of Cuba; its first appearance described 12."). Colum- 
bus ascends a river and explores the forest on its banks 
126. He sails westward, then anchors and summons a 
council 130. Speech of Columbus 130. Pinzcn finds 
fault 132. The notary names a leader for the embassage 
133. The ships careened and the potato discovered 135. 
Report of Rodrigo de Jerez of the mission 136. Smoking 
of tobacco first seen 139. Unsatisfactory nature of report 
110. 



vi CONTENTS. 

BOOK IX. 
Columbus returns easterly 142. Desertion by Pinzon 144. 
Discussion wilh Roderigo de Sanchez 145. Hayti reached 
149. An Indian woman captured 150. Visit of a Cazique 
152. Invitation from Guacanagari 153. The Santa Maria 
lost on a sandbank 155. Fortress of La Navidad built 159. 
Parting banquet given by the Cazique Guacanagari 161. 
Native dances and mimic warfare 164. Spanish archery 
and swordsmanship 169. Power of firearms shown 170. 
Farewell speech of Columbus to the garrison 172. 

BOOK X. 

The Nina sets forth forth for Spain 174, and is rejoined by the 
Pinta 177. Goid found in the Rio del Oro 178. Conflict 
with the Ciguayans 184. Mayobanex sends the Wampum 
belt 185. He describes Cibao as rich in gold 189. The 
West Indies left 191. Fierce storms part the two ships 
192. Lots are cast 198. The Hero commits a record of 
his discovery to the waves 199. Renewed and terrible 
storms 201. The Azores reached 203. 

BOOK XI. 

Captains Pedro and Enriqvie sight the Niiia 206. She makes 
for Rastello 207. Columbus finds a former friend 208. 
He sends a courier to Spain 210. Columbus at Valparaiso 
before King John of Portugal 212. Palos reached 213. 
Pinzon arrives the same day 214. Garcia, the Prior, and 
Columbus at La Rabida 218. Pinzon dies of grief and 
shame 219. Columbus's tribute to the memory of Pinzon 
220. 



CONTENTS. 



BOOK XII. 



Progress from Seville to Barcelona 222. The cortege described 
that enters the city 224. Grand reception of the Viceroy 
by the Spanish Monarchs 226. Columbus described 228. 
Speech by the Queen 229. The hero replies 230. King 
Ferdinand asks for full particulars 231, which are given by 
Columbus 232. Enthusiasm of the audience and gratitude 
of the monarchs 238. The Te Deum sung 238. Triumph 
of Columbus 239. 



BOOK 1. 

ARGUMENT. 

Apostrophes to Columbus, America, Genoa and Spain. The Fall of 
Granada. Zoyara and Abu Abdallah. The Alhambra occupied and 
its beauties described. The hero in the Hall of the Ambassadors. 
Speech by Queen Isabella and reply by Columbus. Ferdinand speaks 
and Columbus unfolds his project. The King and Queen promise 
the needed help. 

Thou Searcher of the Ocean, thee to sing 
Shall my devoted lyre awake each string! 
Columbus! Hero! Would my song could tell 
How great thy worth! No praise can overswell 
The grandeur of thy deeds! Thine eagle eye 
Pierced through the clouds of ages to descry — 
From empyrean heights, where thou didst soar 
With bright Imagination winged by Lore — 
The signs of continents as yet unknown; 
Across the deep thy keen - eyed glance was thrown: 
Thou, with prevailing longing, still aspired 
To reach the goal thy ardent soul desired; 
Thy heavenward -soaring spirit, bold, elate, 



lo COLUMBUS 

Scorned lon<^ delay and conquered chance and fate : 
Thy valor followed thy far - searching eyes, 
Until success encrowned thy bold emprize! 

Ye sister - continents th«at fill the West; 
Where Liberty now rides upon the crest 
Of her advancing wave, whose onward flow 
All forms of Tyranny shall overthrow, 
Whose vast republics, firmly - founded, spread; 
Remember him whose daring keel first sped 
Across th' untraversed deep, who cleared the clouds 
Of mystery, whose gloom no longer shrouds 
Your glorious realms! 

How worthy of your pride 
Those wide -spread coasts, whereon the surging tide 
Of two vast oceans swells with ceaseless roar, 
Upon Pacific and Atlantic shore; 
Your Rocky Mountains, Andes weird and vast, 
Whofce lone and lofty peaks grim shadows cast 
Atliwart eternal snows, e'en where the heat 
From tropic skies upon their slopes doth beat; 
Those mighty rivers whose broad floods onglide 



AN EPTC POEM II 

Majestically down rich prairies wide, 

Your Amazon that like a sea doth sweep 

In stately grandeur through its forests deep: 

But prouder still thou great New World mayest be 

Of cities populous and peoples free! 

Fair Genoa, deserving thy proud name 
Of La Superba, in thy crown of fame 
Shines thy Columbus as' the brightest gem 
Of all that deck thy ancient diadem. 
The blue Tyrrhenian sea yet laves thy shore 
Where, as a boy, Columbus dwelt of yore. 
With free Italia thou long hast shared 
Just pride in him whose splendid courage dared 
To cross the wide and pathless western deep. 
Through untold dangers steadfast course to keep, 
Till Salvador's green isle burst on his gaze! 
The nations heard — with glad and deep amaze — 
How he had pierced the Ocean's mysterv. 
And spread world-wide the Spanish Empery! 

Hispania, rejoice! 'Twas forth thy court 
The orders came that sped, from Palos Port, 



12 COLUMBUS 

Columbus on his quest: he won for thee 

Another world. Through thy grand history 

No year more brightly shines than when he sailed, 

And to mankind San Salvador unveiled. 

That same auspicious year also beheld 

Thy Ferdinand and Isabella weld 

Disjointed Spain into one glorious realm, 

And all the Saracenic power o'erwhelm 

Within thy bounds. Freedom from Paynim thrall 

Thou didst attain when came Granada's fall. 

The Great Discoverer's never-dying name 

Is linked for aye with thine in glorious fame! 

The Moorish scymetars flashed bright and keen 
Upon Granada's walls, where long had been 
The seat of Moslem rule. In fight on fight 
The turbanned warriors strove, with valorous might. 
To stem the onslaught of the conjoined power 
Of proud Castile and Arragon: the hour 
For Islam's doom had struck. 

The Moorish King, 
Abu Abdallah, saw the Christians fhng 



AN EPIC POEM 13 

Themselves victoriously upon his host. 

For twice four centuries the Paynim boast 

Of Saracenic rule, o'er Goths of Spain, 

Had been upheld. At last the Cross doth gain 

A bright ascendency; the Crescent falls, 

No more to proudly deck Granada's w^alls. 

The crimes of Roderick the Goth had brought. 

From Afric's shores, the swarthy hordes that fought 

For Julian, avenging his great wrong: 

Cruel the expiation was, and long. 

Now Isabella's virtues and the strength 

Of Spanish chivalry redeem, at length, 

Hispania: now the last Moorish King 

Is overcome while shouts of victory ring. 

At this bright juncture, 'mid rejoicings loud, 
Columbus came once more before the proud 
And stately monarchs of triumphant Spain, 
Their royal aid for his emprize to gain. 
The hero saw Abdallah, at the gate 
Of old Granada, bow before stern fate; 
Saw Isabella and King Ferdinand, 



14 COLUMBUS 

From the defeated monarch's trembhng hand, 
Receive the keys of that proud fortress strong, 
Thus terminating centuries of wrong. 
The air was filled with stirring martial strains 
That told how Christian might once more regains 
The land of Spain from Mahound's dusky hosts. 
Driving them back to Afric's sultry coasts: 
Abu Abdallah there at last must fly. 
And there on battle field an exile die. 

O'er Alpuxarra's ridge when slowly went 

The vanquished Moorish King, sad gaze he bent 

Upon Granada's walls. " The last sigh of the Moor " 

That rock is named from wheilfce, in days of yoi-e, 

With parting glance he viewed the kingdom lost, 

While all his soul in wild regrets was tossed. 

To him Zoyara spake, in taunting tone, 

"Ay! like a woman weep! for thou alone 

Couldst, like a woman, such a kingdom lose! 

Thy weakness brought our royal line its close. 

Thy mother I! Yet do I curse the dav 

When fi-om thy father's hand I rove the sway. 



AJV EPIC POEM 1^ 

Confiding to thy feeble head and hand 
The rule that conrag-e only could command! 
Would that Al Zagal, brother of th}^ sire, 
Whose soul burns fierce with all a warrior's fire, 
Had filled the throne that I assigned to thee! 
Then would Granada yet be proud and free! 
Infirm of purpose! Conquered by thy foes! 
Thou art the cause of our disastrous woes!" 

But honor and rejoicing crown the arms 
Of Spain's great monarchs, who, 'mid war's alarms 
Had boldly striven with the Moors who held 
Long hateful sway, their might for aye is quelled. 
'Mid blast of trumpet, and the ringing shout 
Of untold thousands, Moslem Knights file out 
Through the Elvira and the Vega gate. 
Never again to rule o'er Spanish state. 
Warriors and nobles 'round Spain's monarchs stand. 
The valorous Chivalry who freed their land; 
Banners and gonfalons triumphant wave 
Above the ranks of Spanish soldiers brave; 
Bright sunlight flashes from keen sword and lance. 



1 6 CORUMBUS 

The polished steel glistens beneath the glance 
Of cloudless sun that gleams o'er all the land, 
While shouts of triumph rise on every hand. 
Victorious vSpaniards, as the trumpets swell, 
Fill the Alhambra's courts; that citadel, 
Whose walls, a mile in girth, in grandeur rise 
Crowning that loft}^ hill now ta'en as prize. 

Of this Alhambra, in Granada fair, 
A Moorish chronicler doth thus declare; 
" 'Twas like a vase, enamelled to the sight. 
Beset with jacynths and with emeralds bright." 
Its arches graceful, its long colonnades, 
Its porticoes, its fountains' bright cascades. 
The glowing arabesques on wall and roof, 
Made it as lovely' as the silken woof 
The Moors oft wrought, rich as if Iris there 
Had mingled every hue from rainbow fair. 
Frescoes yet glow on that Alhambra's ^valls, 
Their beauty all the vanished jDast recalls; 
That past wherein 'twas said of Moorish Knight, 
He ought to be with ten <rood gifts bedight: 



AN EPIC POEM 



17 



He should be pious, valorous, right strong, 

Have eloquence, and frame poetic song, 

Noted he should be for his courtesy, 

Manage his horse with swift dexterity, 

With certainty the bow he should command. 

And wield the sword, and lance, with ready hand; 

E'en like an Arthur or a Roland be. 

Those peerless gems of ancient chivalry. 

In that rejoicing host Columbus rides 
Fulfilled with hope, yet time too slowly glides; 
Scarce patiently he waits the interview 
Wherein his oft - pled plaints he may renew. 
When eventide drew^ near this selfsame day. 
Amid the splendor of their Courts' disjolay, 
The vSpanish monarchs granted audience 
Unto Columbus. He, with deference 
Befitting him, but yet with noble mien. 
Appeared before the conq'ring King and Queen. 
Soldiers kept guard at the Alhambra's gate; 
Within the monarchs held imperial state; 
The famous Hall of the Ambassadors 
Received the orreatest of discoverers. 



1 8 COLUMBUS 

Columbus stood with towering form ; with face 
That told his soul could find no fitting place 
For meanness nor for fear; the hero seemed 
A princely sage; from forth his eyes outbeamed 
Intelligence, in their blue depths, bright gleamed 
A mind that could on Fancy's wing ujDsoar, 
A spirit that amid tempestuous roar 
Of baftiing winds, seas running mountain -high. 
Could all the terrors of the storm defy. 
The locks thick clustering on his noble head. 
Were wdiite as snows on hoary Alps outspread; 
White they had been for o'er a score of years; 
Long days and nights fulfilled with cares and fears 
And anxious toils, had prematurely aged 
Columbus, who, against misfortune waged 
A valorous and ever - during fight. 
Now — at the last — success appears in sight. 

Upon a dais, side by side, were seen 
On equal thrones the Spanish King and Queen; 
Around them, forming groups on either hand. 
Were ranged the nobles of Iberia's land; 



AIV EPIC POEM i^ 

Princes and courtiers of the bluest blood 

In two imposing companies there stood. 

Then spake the Queen, " Columbus, we have sent 

That you may learn what now is our intent. 

Oft, 'mid the turmoil of our recent years. 

Your prayers have reached us; but our willing ears, 

Amid the clash of war's resounding arms, 

Were closed to you by battle's loud alarms. 

Now are we blessed with victory complete, 

A glorious peace permitteth us to meet 

And hear the propositions you submit; 

Aid shall be granted, fully meet and fit." 

" So may it please Your Majesties!" thus spake 
Columbus then, " My plea once more I make. 
On this ausjDicious day when Victory 
Sits smiling on your arms. The history 
Of your renowned reigns shall ever live; 
On its bright records this glad day shall give 
Transcendent splendor to the glorious page 
That tells the endinof of the war's fierce rao-e. 
But, brighter far shall shine the page, I ween, 



20 COLUMBUS 

That tells how Spain's illustrious King and Queen, 
Leaving the troublous days of war behind, 
Engaged straightway beyond the seas to find 
The eastern shores of Inde, or far Cathay, 
By sailing west! — there lies the nearest way!" 

Then Ferdinand, the shrewd, far-seeing King, 
"Columbus! through the future years will ring 
Your famous name, with glory all your own. 
If you succeed! But 'round your scheme is thrown — 
To me it seems — improbability. 
No mind can doubt the great utility 
Of such a mode of reaching golden Inde, 
As you profess your novel course would find. 
My Royal Consort, whose co-equal state — 
Castile with Arrasfon — lends lustre grreat 
Unto our life, with me now asks again 
That you your grounds of confidence explain." 

With deep respect, yet with undaunted mien, 
Columbus stood before the King and Queen: 
Their nobles were in splendid groups arranged 



AAT EPIC POEM 21 

Around each throne; some scornful looks exchanged, 
Anofered were some that an adventurer — 
They named him the demented foreigner — 
Should have, in that Alhambra's Court, the right 
Accorded him such mad schemes to recite. 
Columbus saw the scorn in many an eye, 
Yet his great soul could pity and. defy 
The opposition born of senseless pride: 
Recked he how ignorance might him deride! 
Some courtiers there were of far nobler mind 
Whose views were not by prejudice confined: 
Such deemed Columbus, though of foreign birth 
And mean estate, a man of genuine worth; 
These looked upon his suit with favoring eye, 
Nor in his schemes could foolishness descry. 

Encouraged thus by what the King had said, 
And kindly smiles from friends, his noble head 
First bowed he courteously, then thus he brake 
The silence, fit reply at once to make. 
"Your Majesties! Your gracious clemency, 
Bearing with all my long persistency, 



22 COLUMBUS 

Emboldens me with fulness to recount 

My plans; they shall all obstacles surmount! 

No shallow scheme conceived in one short day, 

Before Your Majesties I would display: 

I give the purpose of my lengthened life, 

With ignorance and prejudice at strife. 

Now four years short of full three score are mine, 

At hopes delayed I cannot but repine. 

I've roved from boyhood's early days, the sea; 

In every region o'er the waters free 

My keel hath wandered. Long experience 

For my conjectures should gain confidence. 

The ever -circling sun from East to West. 
Speeds day by day, his chariot knows no rest, 
But mounting upwards reacheth noonday height. 
Then sinks in ample curve till falleth night: 
From sunset until Orient he greets 
No doubt have I he onward circling fleets, 
During our night to others giving day. 
O'er other regions holding ceaseless way. 
Him would I follow with unfaltering quest, 



AAT EPIC POEM 



23 



Pursue him dauntlessly to utmost West, 

Learn where he shines while o'er us rules the nisrht 

And view the realms he p^laddens then with li"ht. 

Not only shall the millions who live 

In those far climes to you allegiance give, 

Salvation shall be found, in Mother Church, 

For those who fill the lands that crown my search. 

Ye potent prelates, standing near the throne, 

Oh, aid my plaint! Oh, make my prayer your own! 

Our Blest Redeemer then shall wider reign. 

Pagans untutored shall Salvation gain! 

A vow is mine — made many years ago — 

The revenues that from these realms shall flow, 

As my due portion, I will consecrate 

To free the Holy Sepulchre. Should Fate, 

As doubtless 'twill, smile on this sacred scheme 

Then Palestine from Islam I'll redeem. 

O, happy augury! this is the day 

When perisheth in Spain the Moslem sway!" 

While spake Columbus at the first, each word 
Of astronomic argument was heard. 



24 



COLUMBUS 



In cool deliberation, calmly said: 

But when, as Churchman, he with warmth outspread 

Before ecclesiastics all the plan. 

Then his perfervid zeal all calm outran; 

His words came swiftly in impassioned voice, 

Ecstatic faith left him no dubious choice. 

But filled his spirit with celestial fire. 

As when in prophet burning words conspire 

To swift forthtell the rhapsody divine. 

Action and word in him at once combine; 

He paused some seconds, then advanced a pace. 

Fell on his knees, lifted his careworn face, 

Ui:)held his hands enclasped whilst thus he spake, 

"Oh, noble King! Oh, gracious Queen! swift make 

My anxious heart rejoice! Oh, sa}^ but yes! 

Then coming ages will your memory bless!" 

The King unto the Queen now bowed his head; 

Then Isabella to Columbus said, 

"Rise from thy knees, His Majesty complies, 

We now at once will further thy emprize; 

Thus untold peoples, heathens from of old, 

Redemption shall within its arms enfold!" 



BOOK II. 

ARGUMENT. 

Negotiations with Fernando de Talavera, Archbishop of Granada. The 
Queen, advised by her Confessor, declines the conditions of Columbus. 
The hero sets out for Cordova, intending to pass to France. The 
Vega, and memories of the Cid. Quintanilla and Santangel persuade 
Isabella to grant all that Columbus demands. The hero, delayed by a 
storm, reaches the Bridge of Pinos. The Queen's Courier overtakes 
Columbus. 

The Queen's Confessor was empowered by her, 

With plenary commission, to confer 

In council with Columbus on next day, 

And grant whatever he might fitly pray. 

He oft had seen Columbus when he sued 

In years gone by, wdiile fruitless he renewed 

His earnest plaint to due assistance gain 

That he might dare the wide, untraversed main. 

Even when Isabella heard the prayer — 
But yestere'en — Fernando scarce could share 
Enthusiasm, such as he had seen 
When faithful help was promised by the Queen. 



26 COLUMBUS 

Now from his convent, fifty leagues away, 
The worthy Prior on that very day 
Came with his friend Coknnhus and he met 
The Lord Archbishop. When the hero set 
Before Fernando what he wished to claim 
As due reward; to be Viceroy in name 
Of all the territories he should find: 
Astonishment seized on the prelate's mind. 
Columbus also claimed that he should be 
"The Admiral" of all the western sea; 
That this high title should for aye descend 
Unto his heirs. Cblumbus would not bend 
From his firm purpose: the Archbishop sought 
To crush such claims; strong words availed him naught. 
Moreover, he one - tenth of revenue 
That from new lands to Spain might thus accrue, 
He held to be no more than fitting share: 
Fernando gazed at him who thus could dare 
To claim pre - eminence and wealth so great, 
Then grew impatient in the brief debate: 
Nor ear, nor soul had he to apprehend 
How he Columbus should e'en now befriend. 



AN EPIC POEM 27 

"I ne'er can list" he said "unto such claims, 
Whose overv/eening arrogance inflames 
My soul! That you, a needy, nameless one. 
Should seek beyond all bounds to thus outrun 
All Spanish nobles, and stand next the throne! 
The fitness of your claims I ne'er can own! 
My worthy Prior! thou, methinks, must share 
Dismay with me, that thy poor friend should dare 
To soar thus high! And then, what hungry greed! 
A tenth of all, perforce, must be his meed!" 

Silence, the Prior deemed his wiser course; 
Not so Columbus: he with words of force, 
" My Lord Archbishop, I would answer you ; 
Your words, discouraging, my griefs renews 
But, my right reverend lord, I beg you think 
How we do stand upon the very brink 
Of such discoveries vast that shall enlarge 
Spain's empire, and the Church, beyond the marge 
Of wildest hopes and add unto your states 
Rich golden realms. Oh! cast away debates 
On questions of a tenth, or titles high! 



28 COLUMBUS 

My soul, prophetic, clearly cloth descry. 
How passing true my dream of life shall be! 
Oh! help me lord to search that unknown sea!" 

The Prior of La Rabida now brake 
The silence, he with soothing words thus spake: 
"My Reverend Lord! I, of our pious Queen, 
Was long erstwhile Confessor; I have seen 
Her good intents oft-times, but never yet, 
Methinks, have I seen her so firmly set 
On any purpose, than but yesterday; 
You heard the words her gracious lips did say. 
When she dismissed Columbus; firm and clear 
Her anxious wishes in her words appear. 
Humbly I crave my Lord, Oh! be not grieved! 
But let my words be graciously received ! 
My friend Columbus, well you know, is learned. 
He, by his years of waiting, sure hath earned 
Some due consideration for his claims 
Not incommensurate with his great aims. 
For, pray bethink you, Reverend Sir, how he 
Ventures his life to pierce the mystery 



AJV EPIC POEM 29 

That shrouds the Occident, where yonder sun 
Shineth effulgent when our night is won ! " 



» Speak thou no more ! " the Lord Archbishop cried, 
"I shall not acquiesce, whate'er betide!" 

From this brief conference Columbus passed, 
All hope by grief and deep chagrin o'ercast. 

Forthwith the Prelate came before the Queen ; 
"Never," he said, "was such effrontery seen! 
This fellow here audaciously declares 
He will have princely recompense; he dares 
To ask the title of Viceroy: from you 
He claims full tenth of all the revenue 
From those supposed domains beyond the sea: 
' The Admiral ' his title proud must be. 
Heredity he claims in these as well; 
Rampant ambition doth all bounds o'erswell! 
To you my daughter, I as Churchman speak, 
By me be guided, never be so weak 
As thus to place this alien before 



30 ' COLUMBUS 

Your faithful Spanish subjects; they adore 

Your many virtues; their firm love to bind 

Refuse this foreigner with steadfast mind." 



'&■ 



Queen Isabella now was troubled sore, 
Her heart was sad e'en to the inmost core; 
To thus retract her word her sj^irit grieved, 
Scarce what the Prelate said her pain relieved. 
With his advice she lower offers made 
As to rewards unto Columbus paid. 
In the event that he should win success 
In his emprize; should full fruition bless 
His daring voyage, then, perchance might he 
Among Spain's nobles high advanced be. 
Columbus heard these offers, but with scorn 
Rejected them. 

Deeming his chance forlorn. 
At once he preparations made to leave 
That Court where Fortune smiled but to deceive. 
Vainly his friends, the Prior and the rest. 
Strove to dissuade him. In his manly breast 
The purpose now was fixed to go elsewhere, 



AN EPIC POEM 3 

And bid for Fortune; thus did he declare. 
He spake of weary, toilsome, wasted years; 
Of promise that with morrow disappears; 
Of contumeliousness from ignorance; 
From such he now would find deliverance. 

His innate, force, his mental energy, 
Sustained him firmly with persistency, 
For nigh a score of years, to persevere 
Until his point was gained. He saw full clear, 
Throu2:h all the clouds that hid the Occident, 
That if he bravely followed his intent 
He surely, at the last, would win the goal. 
The ardor fierce that fired his noble soul 
Was fed by Fancy. Oft would she unroll 
Before his vision pictures of far Inde 
The land of treasures that his quest should find. 
E'en when the royal promise broken seemed. 
That shattered not his fixed resolve. He dreamed, 
Nay! more than dreamed! he felt himself to be 
An instrument whom the Divinity 
Had singled out, Ay! from his \qx\ birth. 



32 COLUMBUS 

To bring the unknown nations of the earth 

Within Salvation's pale, and, so secure 

Was this assurance felt, he could endure 

What seemed the utter blasting of all hope. 

With wearying delay once more he'd cope. 

Rather than thus submit to terms abject. 

He knew his rights, and would those rights respect; 

An honorable pride should lead him on, 

At once from Spain, at once! he would be gone. 

Onward across the Vega's beauteous plain 
From Santa Fe, he ne'er might view again. 
He sped. He forward set his steadfast face. 
And for Cordova urged his mule's slow pace. 
O'erlooking Vega's plain uprising fair, 
Granada's thousand towers high pierce the air 
And lend their grandeur to the scene. Here War, 
For centuries, had seen the varying star 
Of Victory shine, now for the Moslem host, 
Then rise for those who made the Cross their boast; 
There had the Saracens too frequently 
O'erborne the Goths, although full valiantly 



AIV EPIC POEM 



33 



They strove against the overpowering might 
Of Paynim hosts, in many a bloody fight. 
Here that brave knight Ruy Diaz of Bivor, 
The Cid, of Spanish song Campeador, 
The champion of vSpain's distracted land, 
Had beaten oft the Moors: w^ith gallant stand 
He fought and drave them in confusion back. 
Hurling destruction in his swift attack 
Upon their swarthy hosts. With quick onslaught 
Right fearlessly he countless battles fought; 
Then Victory sat full frequent on his helm 
With dauntless daring oft did he o'erwhelm 
The foes of Spain. 

Not always was it so; 
Once, wronged by Goth, he joined the Paynim foe, 
And for awhile, his keen all -piercing blade 
'Mong former friends disastrous havoc made. 
But when the wrong was righted, happy day! 
The Moslems saw the Cid once more array 
His gallant troops upon the Christian side. 
Then Saracenic bands felt, far and wide. 
That in his single arm dwelt conq'ring might: 



34 



COLUMBUS 



His reckless charge, in fearful odds' despite, 
Brought them defeat in many a fierce - fought fray, 
And shook the pillars of Mahomet's sway. 
These deeds five centuries agone were done 
By that brave Cid, who deathless honors won. 
The Bards of Spain, through many centuries, 
In song extolled his si:)lendid victories. 

By Xenil's banks, the scene of frequent fight, 
Columbus hastened, heeding not the sight 
Of the magnificent Alhambra's walls. 
Nor e'en Granada's towers; their view recalls 
The disappointment of his former life, 
Passed in distressful woes and constant strife. 
E'en 'mid new sorrow he will not despair. 
Though years of grief have filled his soul with care. 
He through Cordova now will onward speed; 
To sunny France he hies, deems there his need 
Of ships and men shall duly be supplied, 
That aid which Spain hath haughtily denied. 

Soon as Columbus fled from Santa Fe 
Distraction seized ujDon his friends. Straightway 



AN EPIC POEM 



35 



Brave Qiiintanilla, staunch and true, was seen, 

With good Santangel, waiting on the Queen; 

Both were respected by the royal pair. 

The Marchioness de Moya joined her prayer 

With both these worthies, as their knees they bend 

To IsabeUa, to recall their friend. 

In audience Santangel boldly spake, 
" Most gracious Queen, so vast we deem the stake 
At issue here, that we have promptly dared 
To seek you, that, at once may be repaired 
The serious mischance befallen now! 
Columbus hath gone hence, and doth avow 
That never more will he petition Spain; 
He will, from France, the needed help to gain 
Forthwith attempt. Oh! listen to our prayer! 
And pardon us if we too boldly dare 
To urge upon you, with what force we may. 
That you revoke the acts of this sad day. 
We pray bethink 3-ou of the splendid prize 
That may be lost; we cannot now disguise 
The deep anxiety we feel for Spain, 



36 COLUMBUS 

That she may spread, beyond the western main, 
The glories of your rule o'er reahns unknown. 
The path to wdiich Cohnnbus clear hath showm : 
Your Majesty! regrets will all be vain 
If France, or England, should Columbus gain!" 

Then Quintanilla joined his potent voice. 
He begged the Queen she swiftly would make choice 
Of what might yet be done, to now recall 
Columbus, ere too late; to grant him all 
The help he needed for his enterprise. 
The Queen, inclining to these counsels w^ise, 
Heard next the Marchioness de Moya plead. 
Upon behalf of the recall with speed; 
Columbus now was on his southward way. 
Decision must be made without delay. 

Then spake the Queen, " Trouble is on me cast 
How to decide! An enterprise so vast 
In consequences through the future years. 
As this, is one that wakens hopes and fears! 
Ye say Columbus with presaging mind 



AJV EPIC POEM 37 

The secret of the West hath here divined; 

Souls for our Holy Church, and wealth for Spain, 

Shall doubtlessly reward his venturous aim. 

My Royal Spouse, and my Confessor too. 

Have both advised denial. I should rue, 

If, contrary to them, I acquiesced 

And failure followed! How should be redressed 

A step so bold if fruitless it should prove? 

And yet, my Counsellors, your speeches move 

Me strongly to decide to lend mine aid: 

Ye clearly have before my mind displayed 

The grandeur of the stake! 

Away I cast 
All fears and doubts! and, for this venture vast, 
Here, for my Kingdom of Castile, I vow 
To make this undertaking mine from now! 
Since our exchequer, so it is alleged. 
Is drained, my regal diamonds shall be pledged, 
And from the funds that thus to us accrue 
All help shall come. 

And here do I renew 
All promises I heretofore have made. 



38 COLUMBUS 

To give Columbus all he asks in aid: 

The titles and emoluments I yield 

For which, to my Confessor, he appealed!" 

Santangel then, " Good Queen, upon our knees 
With gratitude we fall. But, may it please 
Your Majesty! there is no need that you 
Your regal gems should pledge; for, in the view 
Of this deficiency, my province may 
Near twenty thousand florins lend; straightway 
My secretary shall supply the need." 
A courier at once made instant speed 
To overtake Columbus, tell him all 
The promises that come with his recall. 

Columbus barely had the Xenil passed, 
When suddenly the sky was overcast; 
A thunderstorm its drenching torrents poured. 
With angry glare the lightning flashed; loud roared 
The rattlinor thunder from the o^loomv sky. 
Columbus now to sheltering rock did hie. 
"Even the elements in ragfe combine" 



AN EPIC POEM 



39 



The hero said, "to mar this path of mine! 

The peaUng thunder and the cruel flash, 

The floods in torrents that from black clouds dash. 

Unite to bar me from my onward path. 

Spending- on me the vials of their wrath. 

From crag to crag of yonder mountain flies 

The vivid levin, and my o'erstrained eyes 

Gaze on the forked fii es. Yet my firm heart 

Shall in this turmoil take courageous part! 

Crash! thou hoarse thunder! dart! thou blinding fire! 

I feel that Nature doth with me conspire; 

A storm of rage fulfills my angry breast, 

Well nigh distraught, my spirit cannot rest. 

Yet Peace will smile when this fierce storm is spent; 

When comes success, I too shall find content!" 

He chafed and sorrowed at this new delav 
That for some hours withheld him from his wav. 
Soon as the rain subsided, and the force 
Of that terrific storm was o'er, his course 
He quick renewed, then reached the rocky pass 
That STuards the foot of the huue mountain mass 



^^4^4' 



^o COLUMBUS 

Of Elvira. A pass that was the scene 

Of conflicts fierce, for in this wild ravine 

Had raged full often when the swarthy Moor 

Was wont through it his turbanned hordes to pour, 

In wild foray, upon the land of Spain. 

Onward Columbus pressed and left the plain. 

Upon the bridge of Pinos, o'er the stream, 
Columbus drew his rein: the sun's bright beam 
Lit up the pass; here silence reigned profound, 
Save where the swollen cataract's rebound 
From jagged rock, awoke the echoes there. 

Columbus paused, almost in mute despair, 
Looked mournfully upon the stream below, 
Saw 'mid the broken blocks the eddies flow 
Of that impetuous torrent as it sped. 
With raging current, down its rocky bed. 
The weird and lonely scene befitted well 
His gloomy thoughts that Faith could scarcely quell. 

"Ay! Even thus!" his mournful musings ran, 
" Here, all forlorn am I, a luckless man ; 



AN EPIC POEM 41 

For years opposed by pride and calumny, 
I've battled fruitlessly \\\ agony. 
By storms and vexed delays my life is crossed, 
And my long - cherished hopes are almost lost!" 

Masses of breaking clouds drave thwart the sky, 
The tempest's fringe, it now did southward fly; 
Patches of blue in heaven's vault were seen, 
The fleeing, gloomy thunder - clouds between. 
Just then a passing cloud obscured the sun, 
He scanned the rocky path his course must run 
Up that steep mountain gorge; crags jutted high 
On either hand. 

Then, with a heavy sigh, 
" E'en so my future path of weary life, 
A rugged way with naught but trouble rife! 
The clouds shall pass! the glorious sun outshine! 
Faith bids me not in darksome doubt repine!" 

Then, with bowed head, he lifted earnest prayer 
To heaven for help. 

But, hark! the startled air 
Awakes to clang of hoofs that smite the ground. 



42 COLUMBUS 

While echoes from the beethiig rocks resound: 
Cokimbus, glancing back, the courier sees, 
Who urges on his steed, swift as the breeze, 
He gains the bridge, then instantly draws rein. 

"Columbus, hear! Her Majesty of Spain 
Sends me as special messenger: her word 
Is passed, your hopes shall be no more deferred. 
This document will briefly tell you all 
The promises that come with your recall. 
When you set forth then Quintanilla came. 
With good Santangel of unblemished fame. 
The Marchioness de Moya spake as well. 
That noble lady who doth all excel, 
The}^ pleaded for your claims unto the Queen, 
Granted in all their fulness they have been. 
Return with me, such is the Queen's command. 
And you shall have the utmost you demand." 



BOOK III. 



ARGUMENT. 



Arrangements concluded at Granada. Columbus goes to Palos. His remi- 
niscences of former visit. The Court orders read. Fears of the Palos 
seamen. Pinzon and Columbus at the Convent of La Rabida. 
Speeches by Columbus, Garcia the Physician, Fray Perez the Prior 
and Pinzon the Captain. The crews confess before sailing. 

Returning straightway, when he met the Queen, 
Cokunbus found a mighty change had been 
By Quintanilla and Santangel wrought. 
Granted was all that he for years had sought. 

It came to pass on April's latest day 
That Heralds, in their gorgeous array, 
Throughout Granada's city then made known 
The titles granted, and the favor shown 
By both the Courts. Forthwith to southwest coast 
Of Andalusia, by swiftest post, 
Columbus hies, full -armed with all due power 
To preparation make; he not one hour 

43 




ABELLA OP SPAIN. 





FERDINAND OF SPAIN, 



^6 COLUMBUS 

Doth lose. Palos de Moguer's ancient port 

Is that decided, by the Spanish Court, 

To be the one from whence the ships shall sail 

Under Columbus; he, who ne'er would quail 

Through eighteen years now gone at Fortune's frowns, 

Who finds at last success his efforts crowns. 

His navy soon shall plough the liquid way, 

Impelled by favoring gales through day on day. 

Until his ships shall win the goal designed. 

And a New World their prospering prows shall find. 

Then shall his raptured eyes behold a scene 

That doth await him, though now intervene 

A thousand leagues of waters rolling wide 

'Twixt vSpain and that blest bourne. Whate'er betide 

His venturous prow shall pierce the mystery. 

And crown with deathless fame his history. 

Fray Juan Perez held Columbus dear; 
He was the Prior of the Convent near, 
Where for some weeks the hero stayed as guest. 
This worthy Prior never would know rest 
On his behalf, after Columbus told 



AN EPIC POEM 

Wliat he essaj^ed. Fray Juan loud extolled 
A quest so pregnant with such bold designs. 
Now, when the sun of royal favor shines, 
With gratitude the hero's heart recalls 
How first he was received within those walls. 
'Twas not a year ago two strangers poor 
Had begged, for bread and water, at the door 
Of this Franciscan Priory. 

The heart 
Of tender Perez could not let depart 
The wayworn traveller with his famished son; 
The noble bearing of the father won 
His pity and respect. He welcome made 
The weary wanderers, then due rites were paid 
Of hospitality; the Convent's board 
Was spread with all its larder could afford. 
Fray Juan Perez de Marchena loved 
Quiet and study. At his wish removed 
From Isabella's Court, where he had been 
Trusted adviser to the gentle Queen, 
He built upon his Convent's loftv site 
A room for astronomic work. Thcie nisfht 



47 



48 COLUMBUS 

Oft found him watching the wide-circHng stars; 

Peace reigned with him while Spain was torn by wars. 

No other man, through that distracted hmd, 

More fit than he to clearly understand 

The cogent reasons that his guest adduced ; 

To his keen mind conviction they produced. 

A lasting friend Fray Juan Perez proved, 

The Prior's tender heart was deeply moved 

By the recountal of the traveller's life; 

Anigh three score of years, with troubles rife 

The later years had been. But when he learned 

The glorious dream of distant lands, then burned 

His fervid soul. Zealous he was, well versed 

In geographic lore, he long conversed 

Upon the theme. Full soon the Fray received 

Each bold surmise, and in the scheme believed. 

Then Garcia Fernandez was enrolled, 

Chirurgeon skilled was he. That Captain bold, 

Martin Alonzo Pinzon, too adhered 

To what Columbus thought. Thus was he cheered, 

After his long and weary years, by hope. 

Thereat the Prior helps his friend to cope 



AjV epic poem 

With all the oppositions and neglects 

Columbus bears. Forthwith he recollects 

How he, erstwhile, had the Confessor been 

To Isabella. Whereon to the Queen 

He wrote in eulogy of his poor guest, 

He prayed her to give heed to his request, 

To grant unto Columbus needful aid 

That his bold venture might at once be made. 

Straight by a pilot was this missive sent — 

Most skilful he of Palos Port — he went 

Forthwith unto the camp at Santa Fe 

Post haste, the message would not brook delay. 

When came the answer, with supreme delight, 

Th' enthusiastic Prior, though midnight, 

Set forth upon his mule for Santa Fe, 

To the Queen's presence making speedy way. 

The good Franciscan, filled with ardent zeal. 

Most eloquently urged, that, for Spain's weal 

The venture should without delay be made: 

Fully and clearly too the Fray displayed 

Its feasibility. The Queen agreed 

To hear Columbus for the voyage plead; 



49 



^o COLUMBUS 

A goodly sum she for the nonce advanced, 
While therewithal kind words the gift enhanced, 
Whereat the Friar furnished forth his friend 
With fitting garb and trusty mule. The end 
Of the long Moorish war — ^ Granada's Fall — 
Beheld Columbus answering the call 
Queen Isabella sent, that she might hear 
The plans proposed. 

The sun of May shines clear 
When, once again, Columbus comes as guest 
Unto La Rabida, ere to the West 
He steers to find the world beyond the waves, 
In that empiize wherein he danger braves. 
Then from Saint George's Church, at whose great door 
Were read the royal orders to explore 
There the inhabitants of Palos learn 
The powers Columbus brings at his retiu-n: 
How therewithal two ships must furnished be, 
Within ten days, to search th' untraversed sea; 
Moreover how a third ship he might take. 
If he could fitting preparation make, 
At cost of any who would boldly dare 



AIV EPIC POEM 

In that adventure, they should profit share: 
This one the gallant Pinzon now provides, 
And, as its captain, he to sail decides. 

But when the purpose fully was disclosed, 
How that Columbus, in these ships, proposed 
To leave behind him the most distant land, 
And search due westward for the golden strand 
Of India, Cipango, or Cathay, 
Thereat the listeners looked with dire dismay. 
These mariners of Palos oft had steered 
To distant isles, nor common dangers feared. 
Meantime this voyage they refuse to share. 
So hazardous the venture they declare. 
To go beyond where ships had ever sailed 
No skill nor courage on such course availed. 
Could any other but an insane mind 
Sail for such goal as was herein designed? 
The superstitions of these seamen bold 
Then raise up hindrance which they thus unfold. 
Are they, forsooth, to tempt a watery fate? 
The dark mysteriousness to penetrate 



52 COLUMBUS 

That all the western ocean doth enshroud? 

Dangers so great the men of Palos cowed; 

Vain such temerity! Nay, impious too! 

That daring course all Christian men would rue! 

Fierce monsters of the deep, huge, weird in shape, 

Would them devour; not one man would escape! 

What storms, or whirlpools eddying swift, might rage 

In that far, unsailed deep! what currents wage 

Unequal war against their onward course! 

What winds blow fiercely with unwonted force! 

Or, should they reach some strange and distant strand. 

If dragons or foul harpies filled that land. 

None would return, but all must j^erish there! 

In face of fears like these what men could dare 

On such an expedition to outsail? 

The dangers were too great! The quest must fail! 

The limit of ten days some weeks had past. 
Delays vexatious on all sides were cast. 
Nor could Columbus one ship ready gain. 
Then came a mandate from the Court of Spain, 
A heavy penalty must Palos pay 



AN EPIC POEM 53 

Henceforth for all the time it should delay. 

Dissatisfaction in the port arose, 

Since most refused with that mad scheme to close. 

June and July both finished their full course: 
When August came, by dint of harshest force 
And all unwillingly the ships were manned, 
But those who entered were a hopeless band. 

Upon the eve of August's earliest day 
Garcia, Pinzon, and Columbus pay 
A farewell visit to the Convent near. 
With joy the Prior met his three friends dear; 
Around the hospitable board they sat 
Until the light began to wane, whereat 
To his observatory Juan led. 
When seated then the learned Prior said, 
"The air is balmy and the night is still; 
Behold, how from the summit of this hill, 
The vaulted sky — e'en to the widespread deep — 
In its full hemisphere the eye may sweep." 
The frugal meal, in the Refectory Hall, 



54 



COLUMBUS 



Detained them until night 'gan spread her pall. 

When sank the sun beyond the western wave 

The clouds were decked with colors rich and brave ; 

Long lines of stratus stretched athwart the sky, 

Uplit with vermeil and deep purple dye; 

Near to the zenith floating cloudlets burned, 

As if to molten gold each mass were turned; 

It seemed as if, of sparkling metals rare, 

Some fretted roof glowed in the realms of air: 

The far horizon was that palest green. 

So delicate, sometimes at evetide seen. 

As sunset glories faded from the sight 

More sombre grew the sky. Venus shone bright, 

From 'twixt two riven clouds her beams displayed 

The silvery lamp of Love. Columbus pra3^ed 

His friends to look upon the evening star. 

"Yonder fair globe shines o'er those realms afar. 
Whither I sail upon my longed - for quest. 
In those same regions of the Spacious West, 
Where brightly beams the sun while we have night. 
Are widespread lands whereon he sheddeth light. 



AN EPIC POEM 55 

His beams are deathless, ever do they shine 

From his broad orb with energy divine, 

While he unresting speedeth on his course 

His chariot rusheth with unfailing force! 

Bethink ye friends — what I have told before — 

That if, by aid of Astronomic Lore, 

We trace the Sun from farthest Orient, 

Until he sinks in utmost Occident, 

Only a part of his full curve we find; 

Antipodes — how vast! — must lie behind 

The regions known to us. But all complete • 

His circle is! The broken arc must meet 

O'er those Antipodes! There shineth day 

While o'er known lands night holds her 'customed sway. 

Ye know, my friends, Pythagoras teacheth clear 

That this our world is a gigantic sphere. 

Fair Hesperus doth ever, near the sun. 

With bright beams shine when Day his course hath run, 

Or, in the early morn she heralds him 

As Phosphor beaming while the stars grow dim 

At his approach. Note! She doth slowly sink 

Behind the heaving wave, and o'er the brink 



56 COLUMBUS 

Of yond' horizon, following the Sun! 

By her example shall our goal be won! 

Our prows shall follow the bright orb of day, 

So shall he nightly point the prosperous way 

That we will steer, until the Occident 

Reveals its hidden realms! Thus am I bent 

To follow, westward, sun and sinking star, 

Until I wrest the secret that afar 

Is hidden from us in that Golden West: 

Till this be done my life shall know no rest!" 

Then Garcia, skilful chirurgeon, spake; 
" Dear friend, your words of eloquence awake, 
Within our breasts an ardent wish that we. 
Our reverend host and I, could, o'er that sea 
With you and Pinzon on your voyage sail, 
So sure are we the venture cannot fail. 
That goal, discerned by your presaging mind. 
Your navy doubtless o'er yon deep will find. 
What gums and spices, what medicaments, 
From the Khan's Court what wondrous instruments, 
Your quest may bring, let future days reveal. 



A AT EPIC POEM ch 

To give strong aid to further human weal; 
Our healing art will thus be fortified 
By med'cines rare from realms now parted wide. 
Yes! we are proud to be your loving friends, 
For, long as History lives, yea, till Time ends. 
Upon its brightest scroll your name shall flame, 
And shine thereon with your eternal fame!" 

Columbus thus replied "Dear Doctor, here, 
With you my loving friends, I see full clear 
That I may freely speak. Constrained to sue 
In different Courts, to constantly renew 
My arguments, where hearers oft were foes. 
Ye cannot tell how manifold my woes. 
Some years at Lisbon sunny was my life 
Where Doiia Felippa became my wife. 
'Twas there in Lusitania's foremost port, 
The Church of All Saints was my chief resort, 
There frequent I — at early Matin song. 
Or when the Vesper Hymn swelled clear and strong — 
Was wont to worship. There, as from the skies, 
A vision came; 'twas there my raptured eyes 



58 COLUMBUS 

First saw Felippa Perestrello fair: 

I scarce believed that I could ever dare 

To hope so pure an angel would be mine; 

From her fair face a radiance divine 

Beamed on my world, suffused my longing heart, 

Deep was the wound. But soon was healed the smart, 

For Holy Church by marriage blessed our love, 

Joy then was mine, all other joys above. 

The sire of my pure bride in life had been 

A navigator bold ; his charts were seen 

By me, and closely studied in amaze. 

Oft he had sailed afar in bygone days. 

E'en to the farthest verge of Afric's shore. 

His widow in my eager ears would pour, 

In pleasing words, the stories oft - times told 

By Perestrello of each voyage bold. 

His written records, carefully preserved, 

I oft perused and treasured every word; 

Thus, many years ago, my purpose grew 

More fully fixed, while hope gained strength anew. 

E'en then for twenty years I'd roved the deep. 

Long had I deemed that if some prow could sweep 



AiV EPIC POEM CQ 

The furrowed ocean, steering ever west, 

Then India's coast would crown the daring quest. 

I learned moreover, that on the Azores 

Bodies were cast upon their western shores. 

Whose features strange, were like unto no race 

Nor nation known. Thus early did I trace 

Those grounds of hope that now I hold full fast. 

That I shall hold so long as life may last. 

A while I dwelt at Porto Santo, there 

Our son belov'd was born, alas! to share 

With me the sorrows of a toilsome life: 

When death at Lisbon reft me of mv wife. 

Then wronged was I, as ye have heard afore 
By Lusitania's King, who, from his shore, 
A caravel in secret sent to gain 
The goal I had described. Ye know in vain 
That monarch wrought the dastard deed of shame. 
Disgusted then from his false land I came. 

Since then eight times his yearly course the Sun 
Along the Zodiac hath duly run; 
Through year on year, by adverse fate constrained. 



6o COLUMBUS 

Spain's Court I've followed and my plea maintained. 

At old Cordova first my plaint was made; 

Then Salamanca saw my scheme displayed; 

Next at the siege of Malaga I fought, 

And there before their Majesties was brought 

My prayer again. Once more, the following year, 

Saw me in presence of the Court appear; 

Then, once again, my hopes found but delay 

While I in Saragossa made my stay. 

That year the King of Portugal desired. 

By missive, my return. England aspired. 

The selfsame year, to learn what I had planned, 

King Henry wrote desiring me to land 

Upon his shores and open my intent; 

His words were full of warm encouragement. 

At fair Seville, faithful to Spain, I stayed; 

Next, at the siege of Baza, I essayed 

By valor in the field and trench to gain 

Consideration from the Courts of Spain. 

Thus, year on year, bafl^ed by adverse fate 

I persevered. Ye know success came late! 

Thou! worthy Prior! by thy love constrained, 



AJV EPIC POEM 6l 

For me at last the needed help hath gained, 

Eternal gratitude shall fill my breast 

To thee, dear friend, of earthly friends my best!" 

Then thus the Prior spake, their well -loved host, 
"My friends! if I of any deed may boast. 
It is that I the instrument have been 
Of bringing clearly, to our pious Queen, 
The claims Columbus hath in his bold j^lan. 
Where, with prophetic gaze, his keen eyes scan — 
Beyond the clouds that veil the distant west — 
The golden shores, the guerdon of his quest. 
Amid distressful woes how oft he sued. 
Sustained by hope he year by year renewed 
His earnest plaint before the Crowns of Spain. 
The Doctor and myself must here remain ; 
Would Ave could sail with you, but fate declares 
We may not voyage. Ye shall have our prayers. 
Yes! day by day, before the Virgin's Shrine — 
Santa Maria, spotless and divine — 
I will, in Daily Office, plead for you. 
That ve the distant shores full soon may view." 



62 COLUMBUS 

Columbus gazed with eyes suffused, intent, 
Upon the holy man, then lowly bent, 
And begged his Benison upon the Search, 
Revering ever piously the Church. 

Then Pinzon the bluff sailor briefly said, 
"My Pinta's sails have oft-times been outspread 
When we have anchor weighed; but, as for me, 
I never prouder was than I shall be 
When next I sail my ship o'er Salte's Bar, 
And head her prow to search for lands afar. 
To follow with Columbus setting sun. 
Nor furl my sails until our goal be won!" 

When noon hath fled on August's second day. 
Before the good ships leave Huelva's Bay, 
The six score men confession duly make. 
And all are shriven, ere they undertake 
In their three caravels the waves to sweep, 
To pierce the mystery the West doth keep. 
Then wives and sweethearts line the Tinto's shore, 
Weeping for those they fear to see no more. 



BOOK IV. 

ARGUMENT. 

The expedition sets sail August 3, 1492. The three caravels described. 
Eruption of Teneriffe. The leader gives an account of other volcanoes 
seen by him, and reassures the crews. Treachery on board the Pinta 
causes delay at the Canaries. Columbus expounds to the notary his 
fears of the ships from Portugal. A night-watch. Arcturus, the Star 
of Hope. The hero's astronomical ideas in advance of his times. 

Before the flaming Sun next morn uprose, 

Across the Bar of Saltes — that doth close 

The Port of Palos from the open sea — 

Cokmibus sailed to court his destiny. 

Small was the fleet, of burthen light his craft. 

But what recked he when land was left abaft! 

Onward they sped impelled by favoring wind, 

Full soon Huelva's Bay w^as far behind, 

Now they onsteered athwart the ocean wide, 

The dauntless hero as their patient guide. 

Upon his brave adventure he outsails. 

Nor ever once the hero's courage fails; 

Before him stretch interminable waves, 

63 



64 COLUMBUS 

Oh, faithless ones! Yoncl' ships that westward sail 

Shall o'er all dang-ers of the deejD prevail! 

Your brothers, sons and husbands shall be famed, 

This coming voyage be by all jDroclaimed 

The most important, the most daring one, 

And the most fortunate since Time hath run 

His varied course; revealing that New World 

O'er whose rich realms Spain's flag shall float unfurled. 

iVnd thou, brave leader, with undaunted soul, 
Although around thee stormy seas shall roll 
Their billows endless 'neath a threatening sky. 
Wilt onward sail and wind and wave defy! 
Eager art thou, ere next sunrise, with haste 
To spread thy sails and dare the watery waste. 
Ay! thou art burning with an ardor fierce 
That will not rest until thine eye shall i^ierce 
The sfloom of ag-es that doth shroud the West 
Until thou hast achieved thy life -long quest. 
Thou wilt, in spite of wearying watch and woes. 
Sail thy brave ships till archipelagoes 
Of em'rald islands, rich in pearls and gold. 



AN EPIC POEM 65 

But all their stormy rage Columbus braves, 

His sails with joyance spread he ploughs the deep, 

His long and venturous quest to steadfast keep. 

See with what splendid augury unfold 
The eastern clouds that glow like burnished gold! 
In broken masses soon they scatter swift. 
Melting away; the bright Sun doth uplift 
His radiant orb to light the heaving deep. 
Whose waves, incarnadined, in gladness leap 
Beneath the rays of the uprising Sun. 

Now is the voyage gloriously begun! 
The Zenith's arc is clear, no single cloud 
Is seen above, nor yet the West, to shroud. 
Nearly due southward first the vessels keep. 
Before the wind across the waves they sweep: 
Gibraltar's Straits are on the larboard bow. 
Faint to the sight the coast of Spain doth grow. 
The mariners no moment find for rest, 
They stow the ropes, or spread the sails now pressed 



66 COLUMBUS 

By constant winds that drive the ships along 

With fa\oring breeze; the gale blows fresh and strong. 

Santa Maria — so the ship is named 
Whereon Columbus sails — forever famed 
Shall be. The Argo once, in days of old, 
Sailed forth in search of Colchian Fleece of gold; 
But far more glorious this most daring quest 
Santa Maria holds o'er ocean's breast; 
While mariners expert the vessel guide 
On venturous course across the surging tide. 
Again, and yet again, along her wake 
Her crew shall see the russet morning break, 
Her prow^ still pointing, o'er the ocean brine, 
To where the setting Sun shall swift decline 
Below the far horizon's golden verge. 
While ever onward toward her goal she'll urge 
Her lengthened way; still on through gloomy night. 
And onward yet when noontide shineth bright: 
But never she on homeward track may steer. 
Nor o'er her prow the beaming morn appear. 
Nor shall the sinkintz orb behold her flee 



AJV EPIC POEM (5^ 

On eastward course. Her grave shall be the sea 

That laves Guacanagari's fair land 

For she shall perish nigh the Haytian strand. 

Two caravels along with her outsail: 
Should stormy winds upon the deep prevail, 
And rouse the waves to dash in blinding spray 
Over their bulwarks tall — both deckless they — 
The watery deluge may destruction biing, 
As all impetuously the rude waves fling 
Their foaming crests, that in the storm onsweep. 
Then drenching spray into the ships shall leap. 

Martin Alonzo Pinzon now commands ' 
The Pinta; she, to navigate, demands 
A crew of thirty men. The good Nina — 

The third that crossed that morn o'er Salte's Bar 

The smallest caravel, his brother leads; 
Vincent Yaiiez Pinzon of sailors needs 
Some twenty-four. Santa Maria's crew 
Numbers but sixteen men; yet, with these few, 
The fearless navigator dares to spread 



6S COL U 3/ BUS 

His swelling sails. The Pinta keeps ahead 

Upon the venturous course, day after day, 

While 'thwart the deep the three ships urge their way; 

One hundred and a score of souls, all told, 

Were those embarked on dangers manifold. 

For the Canaries at the first they steer. 
Nearly due South, the coast of Afric near. 
Tall Teneriffe's volcanic cone they view 
When the sixth day towards its even grew. 
Soon terror filled the ships: the selfsame night 
The mountain's fires outburst, that fearsome sight 
The mariners dismayed : the sky aglow — 
With fierce reflection from the hell below — 
Cast o'er the deep a weird, unearthly light 
That well might fill the gazers with affright. 
Their ears were deafened by the bellowing sound 
That overpowered every voice around. 
Naught else was heard save the volcano's roar 
That hideous made the night. The crews deplore 
That ever they sailed forth from sunny wSpain 
Whose orange groves they ne'er might see again. 



AAT EPIC POEM 6^ 

This sight unwonted, terrible yet grand, 

Boded what ills unknown on every hand, 

That should befall them on the Western deep. 

If, onward still, the ships their course should keep. 

Then spake Columbus, "Is this something new! 
Why should despair seize on you at the view 
Of that which Etna's mountain oft displays? 
When first I voyaged, in my boyhood days, 
I saw erupt the fire from Etna's cone. 
While glowing floods of red-hot, molten stone. 
Poured down its flanks. Those who in Naples dwell 
See lava from Vesuvius overswell; 
They hear rebellowing through night the roar 
That shakes, for league on league, th' affrighted shore: 
Or, gazing upward, wondrous sight behold 
The floods of fire that gleam like veins of gold, 
They see air darkened by ejected ash. 
Whose sable cloud darts forth the lightning flash. 
From fiery entrails of the earth below 
Foul streams of burning sulphur sluggish flow. 
While from the cone roll volumes dense of smoke 



7o COLUMBUS 

That hide the sky and terrors grim evoke; 

Then its broad base trembles to earthquake shock, 

While forth its crater flings the massy rock, 

That smites with thunderous crash the trembling ground. 

Grim desolation fills the scene around. 

Stromboli, o'er the waves, sheds ceaseless light 

That guides the mariner when blackest nig-ht 

O'ershadows with its ebon pall the deep; 

With unremitting force its fires upleap 

From hidden ca^'erns, deep beneath the earth ; 

Hell, in our upper world, finds monstrous birth. 

Once, when I sailed e'en to the utmost North, 

To Iceland's shores, Skapta Yokul burst forth. 

Amid eternal snows the fierce fires flared 

And o'er wide frozen fields all angry glared. 

Should Teneriffe's eruption then alarm, 

As if it were some novel form of harm 

Peculiar to us? No, we shall find 

That as we onward sail with steadfast mind. 

Naught may affright us if, with courage fired, 

Our purpose we pursue!" 



AN EPIC POEM 71 

'Tvvas now required, 
At the Canary Isles, some ship to find 
The Pinta to replace. Before the wind 
She, at the first, had ever foremost been. 
When three days out, signals for help were seen: 
Her rudder broken and unhinged was found; 
Pinzon, with strong ropes, soon securely bound 
The damaged portion, then pursued his way ; 
The cords that he had lashed were found next day 
Displaced. Columbus deemed this injury 
Was but the outcome of the treachery 
Of Gomez Rascon and of Quintero. 
Part owners they. Loth at the first to go 
Upon this enterprise, they were compelled 
By royal orders; still was not dispelled 
Their opposition strong. This brought delay 
Of near a month, yet fruitless was the stay: 
No vessel could replace the damaged one, 
Thus she the dangers of the deep must run. 

Weighing his anchors from Gomera's Isle 
Columbus sailed, all anxiously the while. 



72 



COLUMBUS 



Since he had learned three caravels were sent 

From Portugal, to stop his course. Intent 

Was he that armament to clear avoid, 

In fear his fleet v\^ould be by foes destroyed ; 

Knowing, moreover, from this very isle 

Three ships were lately seen, he feared the guile 

Of Portugal might bring his scheme to naught; 

So, until clear away, with danger fraught 

Was all around. Some years ago the King 

Of Portug-al had wrousfht a shameful thins^: 

He from Columbus all his project learned, 

And its full feasibility discerned; 

Forthwith a secret search the false King made. 

While he denied the hero any aid. 

Roderigo de Sanchez had been sent 

By Ferdinand the King; this courtier went 

To take due cognizance, as notary 

On his behalf, to write full history 

Of all that on the voyage might betide. 

Columbus took the notary aside. 
Then privately to him his fears displayed, 



AN EPIC POEM 



73 



" I would Gomera's coast " the hero said, 

"Were hidden from our gaze by waters wide; 

I fear mc, Sir, that dangers will betide 

Our ships, if we should meet the armament 

That recently was seen. With fell intent 

The King of Portugal hath sent that force. 

To stop our ships upon our Westward course. 

You will perceiv^e how caution we now need, 

When I narrate to you a dastard deed. 

Lisbon by me eight years ago was left. 

After I was perfidiously bereft 

Of documents, of detailed plans, and charts 

Drawn up by me of all the Western parts. 

King John of Portugal, possessed of these. 

Sent secretly to search the distant seas 

A caravel. The false report I heard 

Was, that the Islands of the Cape de Verde 

Formed all the goal she sought; the cargo sent 

Was simply food, a famine to prevent. 

She far beyond these isles a full week sailed. 

Then homeward turned her prow, for fear prevailed 

That danger, in some new and horrid shape, 



H^ COLUMBUS 

Awaited her, perils beyond escape, 

In those far regions of the pathless deep: 

Onward no longer dare her pilot keep; 

Thus fruitless was this dastard treachery! 

To me remains to solve the mystery! 

Thus have we cause to fear that, once again, 

False Lusitania upon the main 

Intends us injury." 

With deep contempt 
Spake Roderigo then of that attempt 
King John in shameless perfidy had made. 
The crews, should these things reach their ears, dismayed 
Would be; thus both the secret closely kept. 
They anxiously the far horizon swept 
With furtive glance, and prayed for favoring wind, 
Gomera longing to leave far behind. 

When thus again the anchors had been weighed, 
Only nine leagues the first three days were made, 
For scarce a zephyr light breathed in the air. 
On the third evetide, when the Vesper Prayer 
To Heaven was made, a welcome breeze arose. 



A AT EPIC POEM y^ 

Then Ferro faded from their eyes, ere close 
Of Sabbath brought a cloudless, starry ni^ht. 



Columbus, silent, heard with calm delight 
The creaking of the cordage, as the strain 
Of well - filled sails drove o'er the purple main 
His speeding ships. Alone, the watch he kept; 
The men, with three days' rowing wearied, slept. 
As, like some plough gigantic, each prow clave 
The furrowed ocean, and the navy drave 
Due westward swiftly, from each vessel's bow 
The seething waters were with light aglow. 
Millions of phosphorescent creatures gave 
Their flashing sparks from the disparted wave. 

The hero scanned the vault with searching eye. 
And swept the heaving deep. While his ships fly 
Before the breeze, he feels that now — at last — 
The mystery he dares; for he hath passed 
Beyond the farthest limit yet attained 
By the most daring voyager who gained 
A safe return, and of his voyage told. 



76 



COLUMBUS 



What wonders shall that distant West unfold 
Whither his venturous keel is hasting now? 

Musing he stood anigh his vessel's prow: 
Before him, sinking slowly, north of west, 
Golden Arcturus shone in splendor drest. 
He knew not then — what science now hath told 
To modern ears — that full a millionfold 
Of our vast Sun Arcturus is in size; 
Yet shines he a mere point to mortal eyes, 
Even when viewed with that Titanic glass 
Whose optic power all others doth surpass; 
Though full a million times the solar globe 
Exceeds our earth, engirt with flaming robe. 
Arcturws' fiery orb from earth to sun 
Would almost fill the void. Such truths outrun 
The feeble powers of loftiest human mind. 
Grasped only by the One who dwells behind 
All the phenomena of mortal sense. 
The Great First Cause wdio filleth space immense. 

Then, in soliloquy, Columbus said. 
While huge Arcturus' parting beam was shed. 



A/V EPIC POEM yy 

"Fair star! now shining- with auspicious ray, 

O'er those wide realms whither 1 urge my way, 

To me thou art the briUiant Star of Hope, 

Cheering my soul! I anxiously must cope, 

For week on week, with my unwilling crew ; 

But thee mine eyes shall ever hold in view 

To gladden me. Each evetide shall renew 

Thy welcome light that decks the Western sky. 

O, would i\rcturus thou couldst make reply! 

Couldst tell what distant lands receive thy light 

When thou dost vanish from my gaze each night! 

The glittering Cross in Cj-gnus, overhead. 

Now beams the emblem of our Faith. To spread 

The knowledge of the Cross, and of my Lord, 

I hold to be my chief my great reward. 

Ah! vSplendid portent! nearer to the West 

Than gleams the Cross, in sparkling brilliance drest, 

Vega darts forth his vivid, varied light. 

Of all the stars save Sirius most bright!" 

Columbus knew the spangled vault full well. 
And of each starry gem the name could tell; 



78 



COLUMBUS 



Copernicus — who lent his wondrous lore 

To this same age — he would have placed before 

All other Sages in Astronomy, 

Even above Egvptian Ptolemy. 

The teachings of Pythagoras he knew, 

Though twenty centuries had passed from view 

Since, at Crotona, taught the Silent One 

That, centre of our system, rules the vSun, 

Whose real pre-eminence gives nobler views 

Of Nature's realm. Urania, the muse 

Who strings her lyre of heavenly orbs to sing. 

Strikes now a grander note, that doth outring 

Of space so boundless no i:)eriphery 

Is found, as endless as eternity. 

Extension and Duration! What are ye? 
We know not now! When — from this body free- 
'' This muddy vesture of decay " we leave. 
Perchance our spirits may the truth receive. 
Thy raptured eyes shall in the West behold, 
Thouofh discontent and mutinv assail 



AN EPIC POEM 

Thy patient course, yet thou shalt never quail 
Before the disaffections of thy crews; 
For dauntless courage, like to thine, pursues, 
E'en like a sleuth - hound the appointed course, 
Deterred by neither fraud nor cunning force. 



79 



BOOK V. 



ARGUMENT. 

Fair winds in Mid-Atlantic. A meteor affrights the crews. Columbus reas- 
sures them. Deviation of the needle, and speech of Columbus to the 
pilots. The Sargasso Sea brings fresh fears. Signs of nearing land. 
Lonely watch of the hero on the last night of uncertainty. Columbus 
sees a torch at lo p. m., October nth, 1492. Gun on the Pinta, at 2 a. 
m., next day, announces the first glimpse of land. 



Across the Mid- AUantic on its quest 

The navy sweeps upon swift course due west, 

The Trade Winds steadily swell full the sails, 

Until September's Ides, with favoring gales. 

" The ambient air is genial and bland. 

Even as in the Andalusian land," 

So could Columbus in his journal \vrite, 

" It needeth but the nightmgale by night. 

That sings in April 'mid the groves of Spain, 

To bring forgetfulness of dreary main." 

The crews remembered how each passing day 

They plunged more deeply on mysterious way; 

While their foreboding fears and fancies shaped 

80 



AN EPIC POEM 81 

Dangers around them, not to be escaped. 

Despondency seized on each sailor's heart 

When he bethought him, how, more wide apart 

The waters severed him from all held dear. 

Around them never-ending waves appear 

In circle vast, interminably spread. 

The concave vault a boundless dome overhead : 

Thus naught but sea and sky on every hand 

Greet those who pine for sight of longed-for land. 

Another portent adds now to the fears 
That fill each mariner. See! Swift apjoears 
A meteor magnificent, whose glare 
Illumes the vault! The sight awoke despair. 
It clove the arch of night, when ne'er a cloud 
Was seen, the faintest glittering gem to shroud. 
They saw the dazzling light its swift course keep, 
Until it dashed into the hissing deep; 
Athwart the sky it left a fiery trail. 
At whose strange aspect many a cheek grew pale. 
Alarmed, they cried, " The Saints forbid our course. 
And this from Heaven by angry sign enforce!" 



83 COLUMBUS 

When roseate morn next dawned the wind had 
ceased, 
While reigned the cahn, the seamen's fears increased: 
Cohniibus summoned all his crew, then told 
What sure discovery would ere long unfold. 
" A future glory waiteth me and you, 
Immeasurable riches are in view: 
The Eastern shores of India we draw near 
Whose cities teem with wealth! I see full clear 
That we are now anigh unto that land 
Where pearls of price bestrew the golden strand. 
Each one of you shall envied be by all. 
When men behold what fortune shall befall 
You, who with me, shall be the pioneers 
Of that discovery which so swiftly nears! 
Bethink ye how the winds, until this day, 
Have sped us gaily on our prosperous way. 
The meteor that flashed but yesternight 
Was omen fair! Its swift celestial flight, 
Whose vivid beams shed beautiful display 
Athwart the ocean's breast, uplit oiu- way. 
From Heaven forthcame the messensfer divine, 



AN EPIC POEM 83 

'Twas heaven itself bade that blest portent shine 

With happy augury across the deep. 

Onward we sail! Our Heaven-lit path we'll keep!" 

The fleet still o'er the purple ocean rides, 
Before the rising wind each ship onglides 
With slow and stately motion o'er the deep, 
The murmurs of the crews are lulled to sleep; 
No longer fears in timorous breasts hold sway, 
Soft balmy winds are with them day by day; 
No sails are reefed, they touch no single rope. 
But idly scan the West with eyes of hope. 

Columbus soon himself feels dire alarm. 
Yet all in secret broods of coming harm: 
The guiding needle to the Pole instinct. 
No longer points unerringly distinct 
The way it erstwhile trembled ; now it swung 
Some six degrees Northwest. His soul was wrung 
With fears; this erring of the needle tossed 
His once firm mind! Hath now the compass lost 
Its potent virtues for the mariner? 



g. COLUMBUS 

Is this of failure the feU harbinger? 

Three times the Sun had run his daily course, 

Since thus Columbus had perceived the force 

That held the magnet on sinistral side 

Of its due line: whatever might betide 

He kept the knowledge locked within his breast. 

When these three days had sped he was 
addressed 
By the ships' pilots, they themselves had made 
The same discovery: in their fright they prayed 
And urged Columbus e'en to be resigned 
To eastward steer, and leave the course designed. 
Now is Columbus tasked! What shall he say 
To lead the pilots to approve the way 
His soul desh'es? 

"My worthy, trusted friends!" 
Columbus thus, " We know the needle bends 
Its quivering point aw^ay from midday Sun; 
By its strange aid discoveries have been won 
Of distant lands. Over the trackless deep 
Skilled men, like ye, unerring course can keep. 



AN EPIC POEM %<^ 

Though far from sight of hind your vessels move, 

With naught hut waves around and sky above, 

Ye truly steer though not a star be seen; 

Such heretofore hath our experience been. 

But that mysterious guiding force ye deem 

Is now at fault, perturbed with fear ye seem! 

But, pray bethink ye how the Heavens move! 

Yet well we know the needles constant prove 

To some invisible, to some fixed part. 

Is it impossible? Nay, do not start 

At my conjecture that the Northern star. 

May, in these regions, from our lands afar, 

Join in the movements of the starry spheres! 

If this be so we may dismiss our fears. 

Is then the lodestone's mystic power at fault? 

No! 'Tis some movement of the Heavenly vault! 

Ye can the full force see of what is said. 

Each well -learned mind, each clearly - thinking head. 

Replete with navigation's lore can see 

We thus may solve the seeming mystery. 

The trembling needle, vassal of the Pole, 

Here shares the movements of the stars that roll 



86 COLUMBUS 

Through azure depths of the o'erarching sky; 
None may the force of such a cause deny 
As that which I have indicated clear, 
Thus you and I may now feel naught of fear! 

Let me implore you! let no seaman know! 
In their untutored minds alarm would grow, 
Such as we felt at first. How can they tell. 
Amid their ignorance, what ye know well; 
Or how judge rightly? They are all unlearned, 
But ye skilled pilots have the truth discerned!" 

By these shrewd words, flattered to their full 
bent. 
The pilots yielded their complete assent 
To keep the secret close, to onward steer 
Towards the goal, and name no cause of fear. 

Of all the troubles and anxieties 
Columbus suffered, threatened mutmies 
Among the seamen, and what ills befell. 
These to narrate all bounds would overswell. 



AN EPIC POEM 87 

E'en when the navy skimmed the watery way 

And prosperously sped on, day by day; 

When to Cohimbus winds and waves were kind, 

The crews in these must source of danger find; 

If thus the breeze forever blew due west, 

How could they e'er return from this mad quest? 

When the Sargasso Sea they entered first, 

And all its wonders on their vision burst. 

With moody brows they o'er the bulwarks peered, 

To marvelling eyes meadows submerged appeared; 

On every hawd were mighty plants marine. 

Old Neptune's groves outspread their olive green, 

And waving fronds, that slowly rose and fell, 

While rounded billows heaved with gentle swell; 

Like some huge monster breathing calm in sleep 

Then seemed the bosom of th' encircling deep. 

The crews, as most men held, believed our world 

A plain, e'en like some banner vast unfurled 

And by strong tension horizontal laid, 

Like some immense and level tract displayed. 

This vast, almost illimitable, plain 

Was bounded by the waters of the main: 



88 COLUMBUS 

Now at the very edge they deem they sail, 

Beyond the rim their ships may pkinge; they quail 

With fear, before this fancied cause of fright. 

Each eve they dread destruction comes with night. 

Before the Sun from Virgo shot his rays — 
Then at Autumnal Equinox his blaze 
Pours from the Zenith on the Sultry Line, 
While vivifying beams o'er both Poles shine — 
One morn, ere the Sargasso Sea was passed. 
With nimbus clouds the sky grew overcast. 
Then dropped the wind, while rain as soft as balm 
Fell gently on the deep that lay as calm 
And glassy as a mirror clear. Next day 
The calm still reigned and held them from their way. 
During next morn the white sails idly hung; 
On the third noon a welcome breeze upsprung. 
Then swelled, full -bosomed, each late flapping sail. 
Distended by the keel -compelling gale. 
Like some Titanic plough that clave the deep, 
Each keen prow 'thwart the liquid plain did sweep; 
On either side of each curved bow bright flashed 



AAT EPIC POEM So 

The glittering spray, as each ship onward dashed; 

The cordage was to utmost tension strained, 

Ere fell the night a score of leagues they gained. 

As fair Septemher drew towards its end, 
Martin Alonzo Pinzon begged his friend 
To cast aboard him Toscanelli's chart; 
So short the distance of the ships apart 
They, like leashed hounds, sped o'er the furrowed sea. 
Columbus heard from Pinzon how that he 
Conjectured they were near Cipango land, 
Soon must their prows greet that delightful strand. 
Thus, in close company, the three ships sailed. 
Cheerful anticipations wide j^revailed; 
They noted how the strong and favoring wind, 
That arched their sails towards the goal designed, 
Urged onwards most propitiously the fleet; 
Right soon the voyage must its guerdon meet. 
Then was the chart flung back and conned anew 
By those who formed Santa Maria's crew; 
While they bent o'er it, reading each strange name, 
Sudden, "Land! Land! Senor! Reward I claim!" 



^O COLUMBUS 

Rose from the Pinta's prow. 'Twas Pinzon's voice 
That rang so clear. The crews at once rejoice, 
"Gloria in Excelsis!" fills the breeze, 
Columbus falls enraptured on his knees. 

Alas! 'Tis but a cloud athwart the West, 
That seems like land, so motionless in rest. 

Now hath September fled, each day more clear 
The signs of nearing welcome land appear. 
Gay feathered visitors perch on each shroud, 
Whose joyous lays are sweetly trilled aloud; 
They no great distance can have winged their flight. 
Their advent fills the sailors with delight. 
Green fronds of vegetation deck the wave. 
Such leaves as float where rivers gently lave 
Their verdant banks. Thus proof on proof appeared 
That now the goal desired the navy neared. 
October's sun more than a week hath shone, 
But, with no sight of land, the ships speed on; 
Interminable ocean spreads around. 
The world of waters naught but sky doth bound: 



AJV EPIC POEM 91 

The Pinta, swiftest sailer, leads the fleet, 

In hopes the first the longed - for land to greet. 

When came the last day of the voyage long, 
Ere land was seen, came confirmation strong 
Some coast was near. Freshwater weeds bright green, 
Berries on newly -broken branch, were seen. 
A recently uprooted reed they caught; 
A wooden staff, most curiously w^rought 
By hand of man, they plucked from out the wave. 
Then to his crew outspake the hero brave, 
"Note ye this staff! 'twas carved by skilful hand! 
Doubtless we now approach that welcome land 
Whither our hopes concentred point! Who can 
A moment doubt that by some fellow - man 
These curves, these lines, were dexterously traced? 
By this your oft -told fears must be effaced! 
'Twas only yesterday that some defied 
Me openly; in mutiny they cried 
Henceforward they would not obey m}^ voice; 
Ye know that firm I stood. Ye should rejoice 
That I refused to leave my westward track, 



9 2 COLUMBUS 

Nor would like coward on my word go back. 

No! Friends! I am resolved we must not fail, 

Over all obstacles shall Faith prevail. 

This staff, these berries fresh, this reed, 

Aie siofns so certain what more can we need? 

All unambiguous these proofs I deem; 

Our goal lies near! This is no idle dream! 

Assured am I, as if I saw the shore, 

And heard the billows break thereon and pour 

Their crests of snow-white foam upon its strand! 

Ay! certain am I 'tis so near at hand 

That e'en ere yonder Sun shall rise again 

We shall have crossed the last league of the main. 

That doth divide us from our certain goal! 

This truth is deeply graven on my soul! 

" Return then, cheerfully, each to his task, 
Your confidence, my friends, in full T ask ; 
Follow me where the bright sun leads the way, 
With glad consent all my commands obey; 
Now are w^e favored with a prospering breeze 
That drives us gaily over these fair seas; 



A/V EPIC POEM ^3 

Work with me heartily, your love I claim, 
Ye now are on the path to deathless fame!" 

Throughout this da}', on whose momentous 
night 
The flaming torch shall greet the hero's sight. 
Fresh blew the breeze, forward the ships swift flew. 
All longed impatiently the land to view. 
The sable night outspreads her gloomy wing; 
As daylight fades the crews devoutly sing 
Salve Regina, and the heavenly strain 
Floats o'er the billows of the purpling main. 
Swift, as in torrid climes, the sun is lost. 
The sky, at once, by night is overcrossed. 
Black grows the western vault 'neath ebon clouds, 
The wild winds whistle shrilly through the shrouds. 
All sail is shortened, land thev deem so near. 
Their navy now with caution must onsteer. 

Like ancient seer, or oracle of old, 
Columbus felt that Fate would soon unfold 
Before his eyes, and that now instantly 
The sight his heart had longed for constantly. 



Q^ COLUMBUS 

What song could fitly sing, or pen portray, 

What throbbings filled his breast as closed the day! 

As one inspired he stood upon the prow. 

His keen eyes gleamed from 'neath his massive brow. 

As night closed in the eastern vault grew clear. 

The hero marked bright Sirius appear 

Above the ocean ; ere that star uprose 

Columbus sav/ Orion's Belt disclose 

Its beauteous gems. 

For hours Columbus kept 
His anxious watch; the moaning winds onswept 
All sail being shortened slowly drave his bark 
Towards the West where all the sky loomed dark. 
Refreshing slumbers rarely close the eyes 
Aw^earied oft; Columbus stern denies 
Himself the needed rest that Nature craves. 
But, night by night, he scans the heaving waves. 
This memorable night o'er lonesome sea 
The watch he keepeth most persistently. 
Two hours are wanting no\v ere black midnighi 
Arrives: Columbus strains his aching sight 
In longing gaze for outline of some land. 



AN EPIC POEM 95 

But, seel Columbus grasps with firm -set hand 
The bulwark of the prow: rigid as death 
His tall form towers erect, he holds his breath 
While gazing earnestly towards the West, 
His face is forward through the darkness pressed, 
All motionless, as if in deep amaze, 
And all his life were centered in the gaze. 
" 'Tis so, indeed!" with bated breath he spake, 
"A flashins: lio;ht doth through the darkness break; 
Some torch, methinks! It is no meteor's light 
That doth illume the brow of ebon night! 
It moveth slowly, there! towards the left. 
Now is my vision of the beam bereft! 
The bearer hath into some dwelling passed! 
Here land, inhabited, we reach at last!" 

But, perad venture, since his wearied sense 
Might cheated be by keen desire intense. 
And fearino^ 'twas but ima^e of the braui 
O'erheated bv close watch, he sought to gain 
Some confirmation of the sight. Straightway 
He called Pedro Gutierrez to say 



96 



COLUMBUS 



If aught he saw, who, gazing through the night 

Felt well assured that he perceived a light. 

Roderigo de Sanchez forthwith came 

Towards the prow; at first he saw no flame; 

Then presently by ah the light was seen 

That shed through darksome night its welcome sheen. 

The star, whose southing told how midnight 
past 
Two hours had been, from near the Zenith cast 
Its trembling ray; the startled ear then heard 
The booming of a gun. 

No more deferred 
Could be the certainty. From lofty post 
Upon the Pinta's mast, was seen the coast. 
First Roderigo de Triana's eyes 
Discerned but dimly, yet with glad surprise, 
The shores adorned with forests ever green; 
Then scarce two leagues of water stretched between 
Swift Pinta's prow and that discovered land. 
To shorten sail Columbus gave command: 
As rosy morn dispersed the gloom of night 



AN EPIC POEM c)7 

The sailors saw, more clear, the coast in sight; 
The land desired they hailed as rose the Sun, 
Their voyage long its splendid goal hath won: 
Transcendent joy filleth th'e hero's hreast 
For he hath reached the bourne of his bold quest. 

Upon the wave -kissed shore all long to tread, 
To wander in the woods where overhead 
The emeraldine leaves spread welcome shade, 
Where fruits and flowers in glowing tints arrayed 
Shall cheer the sight: they pant to hear the song 
Where woodland warblers their sweet notes prolong, 
To hear the hum of insects' gauzy wings 
Whose murmurous sound a sleepy glamour flings 
Through forest depths; instead of plashing wave 
The music of the rills their senses crave. 
Monotony of ocean and of sky 
Is o'er at last. With brightness beams each eye 
At sight of haven, where they fain would be, 
That crowns their aim across the trackless sea. 



BOOK VI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Guanahani revealed at dawn. Columbus lands and formally takes posses- 
sion. Allegiance resworn by the expedition. The natives and tlieir 
simple mode of life described. Kindly treatment by the hero. Gold 
not abundant here. The island left after two days. Columbus speaks 
of the Grand Khan, of his realms and wealth. 

Now dawns that day of days with welcome Hght, 
'Neath skies all cloudless bursts the vision bright; 
Guanahani, island ever green, 

Now is thy widespread coast with joyance seen! 
The natives crowd upon the island shore 
Awestruck, from inland woods they numerous pour 
And fringe the beach. Wonder o'er all prevails; 
They look upon the ships, with wide - curved sails. 
As winged celestial creatures that in night 
Have lit upon the waves from heavenly flight. 
The cannons' roar, the flames' outrushing flash. 
They deem to be the thunder's deafening crash; 
The guns' fierce fire seems lightning from the skies; 

Terror and awe are mingled with surprise. 

"98 



AJV EPIC POEM QQ 

Meanwhile three boats, all fully armed and 
manned, 
Dart from the caravels to reach the strand; 
Each sailor gladly bends him to the oar. 
Longing to leap upon the wave - kissed shore. 
Borne on each boat a banner spreads on high, 
Whereon emblazoned, beauteous to the eye. 
Letters of gold are seen whose outlines tell 
Of royal Ferdinand and Isabell. 

As now the crews approach the new-found shore. 
Their admiration waxeth more and more. 
Thick groves they view with clustering foliage green, 
Deep woodland glades and verdant meads are seen 
Fringing the forest dense; the natives there 
Have raised their simple huts, where gardens fair 
Are bright with blooming flowers of gorgeous hues, 
Columbus these gay sights with pleasure views. 

Birds of resplendent plumage wing their flight. 
Through warm and sunny air; when they alight 
Their iridescent plumes like rubies gleam, 



lOo COLUMBUS 

Or emerald, or sapphire, 'ncath the beam 
Of the uprisen Sun. 

This gladsome morn 
Atones for all the hardships longtime borne; 
'Tis threescore days and ten ago since Spain 
By them was left; week after week the main 
Hath tossed around them drearily, while they 
Have ploughed — all wearily — the watery way. 
While waves interminable heaved around: 
What rapture now to reach the firm -set ground. 
To gaze on fertile vales and wooded hills. 
To list the murmurous sound of sparkling rills. 

As o'er the intervening wave swift glide 
The boats, the natives flee the shore, to hide 
Within the woods. The prows soon greet the strand, 
Columbus leapeth first upon the land. 
Falls on his knees, kisses the long -sought ground. 
The oryerdon after wearvins^ toils now found. 
Then, rising, plants the royal flag of Spain, 
There claims for it — nor claimeth he in vain — 
The widespread region of the Golden West, 



AJV EPIC POEM loi 

That now rewards his long and daring quest; 
Those lands o'er which as Viceroy he shall reign; 
The p-oal desired he doth at last attain! 

o 

Splendid, at this glad moment, was the sight 
Of that hrave hero! Clad in armor hright 
His form majestic seemed e'en like a god, 
As with firm step upon the strand he trod; 
With nohle face, with locks as white as snow, 
His sparkling eyes uplit w^ith rapturous glow, 
And stature towering over all around, 
In him a Sculptor worthily had found 
Heroic grandeur full personified; 
Him ancient peoples would have deified. 
Then from his ample shoulders floated wide 
A crimson, silken cloak; nor could it hide 
The orleamino: coat of mail: his helmet's crest 
With waving plume of scarlet hue was drest. 

Then flashed in air his good Toledo blade. 
On whose resplendent steel the sunlight played. 
Vivid as lightning that keen weapon gleamed, 



103 COLUMBUS 

Whence dazzling rays on every side ontstreamed. 

Drawing himself with pride to his full height 

He waved his sword in glittering splendor hright; 

The point to North, to East, to South, to West 

He turned: the group around him then addressed. 

"All these wide regions I for Spain now claim; 

This thrice -blessed ground San Salvador I name. 

For here Salvation comes, after long toil. 

Sacred henceforth shall ever be this soil! 

We now have reached the borders of rich Inde, 

Whose pagan nations shall Redemption find 

Within the pale of Holy Mother Church; 

Cipango and Cathay shall crown our search. 

Against all other monarchs we uphold, 

For those of vSpain, the right to gems, and gold. 

And gums, and spices with all riches rare 

That here we find. There will be w^ealth to spare 

For each, who thus with me hath bravely crossed 

The tossing deep. Never to memory lost 

Shall be your fame, your hearts courageous dared 

With me to sail, ye have my perils shared. 

The consummation of our toil is won; 



AN EPIC POEM 103 

Immorta] Fame shall, like you' blazing Sun, 
Illume your names on History's glowing page. 
That tells our story through each coming age!" 

The notary, and the officials there 
Who stand around him, with Columbus share 
In ceremonious and imposing rites, 
Wherein Columbus formally recites 
The claims he makes upon behalf of Spain. 
The oaths of due allegiance again 
They swear, and there acknowledge him to be 
"The Admiral"— by grant — of all the sea 
Whose waters lave the West: Viceroy as well 
They own his title now, with right to quell 
All insubordination; full command • 

Is he to have o'er all discovered land. 

Some fall upon their knees and kiss his dress; 

With fear, and sorrow, some regret express 

At former disaffection: but he laid 

Clearly before them none might be dismayed. 

Nor have a fear that he would cherish aught 

Of evil memory. The future fraught 



I04 COLUMBUS 

With good to all should be; all were his friends, 
If loyal now, that made for all amends. 

Meanwhile the natives lose their former fear. 
Then to the sj^lendid group draw slowly near; 
At first to sheltering forest they had fled, 
All they beheld had struck each soul with dread; 
The ships majestic that with morn appeared, 
Whose massy bulks while they approached had veered 
As if instinct with life, while cannons blazed 
And frighted them while they astonished gazed. 
Then as the boats glided towards the land, 
And when the Captains leaped upon the strand, 
Their splendid dresses gorgeous in hue. 
Their suits of armor dazzlino- to the view, 
The flowing beards, and skins to them so fair. 
Filled them with such amaze they could not dare. 
At first, to venture from the umbrageous wood. 
Slowly however, as they understood 
The kindly gestures by the Spaniards made. 
Their courage grew. Those who w^ere least afraid 
Approached, and with deep reverence bent before 



Ajv epic poem 105 

The wondrous strangers visiting their shore. 
The natives deemed them of celestial birth, 
The leader most pre - eminent in worth 
They worshij^ped as a God. 

Perfectly nude, 
Displaying grace in every attitude, 
With glossy skin of warm and ruddy hue. 
The natives thronged. Delightful was this view 
Of nature's children; free they seemed from guile. 
As if sin ne'er had visited their isle. 
Their simple food, the happy life they led. 
The genial clime, with plenty round them spread. 
Freedom from wearying toils, from carking cares. 
That life in cities ever brings, was theirs: 
A Paradise, beauteous as that of old, 
Columbus saw before him there unfold. 
No shame was theirs, each rounded limb was bare. 
The splendid human form was perfect there. 
And graceful as those marvelous statues formed 
By Phidias of old. But life - blood warmed 
The ruddy forms that now Columbus viewed: 
In them the Golden Age appeared renewed. 



io6 COLUMBUS 

That happy time of which great Ovid sang, 
Eie men were frighted by the cruel clang 
Of iron arms that clashed in later age, 
When mail - clad warriors closed in battle's rage. 

The natives' speech was musical in tone. 
By signs they with the Spaniards alone 
Could commune hold, no word was understood 
On either side. The Indians offered food ; 
In calabashes sparkling draughts they brought 
Of cool, fresh water. Then Columbus sought, 
By gaudy presents, to sow deep the seeds 
Of amity; hawks' bells and glittering beads, 
With colored caps of varied, vivid hue: 
Celestial gifts were these unto the view 
Of their recipients, whose sparkling eyes 
Attested how each treasured dear his prize. 
On every side the tinkling hawks' bells rung, 
The bright glass beads round tawny necks were hung 
By the delighted natives, who now pressed 
Around the donors, and, by signs addressed 



AjV epic poem 107 

The givers who evoked their gratitude; 
All was expressed by humblest attitiide. 

The only weapon seen was slender lance, 
From each keen tip no burnished steel shed glance, 
For simply in the fire the point was charred. 
Or armed with flint, or fish-bone sharp and hard. 
The martial metal iron, was unknown. 
Their deadliest weapon was the pointed stone. 
Hung from their ears the yellow metal gleamed — 
Effulgent gold — lightly by them esteemed; 
They gave full readily for gaudy toy 
The virgin ore that knew no base alloy. 
Columbus sought by signs to surely learn 
Whence came the gold. He thought he could 

discern. 
Amid respectful gesture, they would say 
From some near land upon the southward way. 
Columbus yearns to find this land of mines 
Where gold abounds. He dreams the diamond shines 
In deep recesses of that wealthy land, 
That burnino; rubies strew its wave - kissed strand. 



io8 COLUMBUS 

There emeralds dart forth their vivid beams, 

While with cerulean flash the sapphire gleams 

Beneath the tropic sun. The topaz bright, 

The pearl reflecting every hife of light. 

While hyacinths and amethysts untold 

His fancy j^ictures in that land of gold. 

The sardius and onyx must be there. 

With chrysoberyl and with gems most rare, 

With fiery opal in all tints arrayed; 

To Fancy's eye their beauties are displayed. 

Two days being passed he spreads the arching 
sail. 
The ships onglide before the swelling gale; 
Skimming these halcyon seas w^ith prosperous prow 
His navy swiftly steers to Southward now. 
He voyageth to seek the realms of gold 
Where treasures fabulous he shall behold. 
Thence pour into the coffers of far Spain 
The untold riches of this Western main. 

Seated upon the deck, while round him stand 
His chief officials, he describes the land 



AN EPIC POEM 



09 



He deems anigh. " My trusted friends," he said, 

" In years gone by full often have I read 

What Marco Polo truly doth declare 

Of India and far Cathay. Full rare 

Are all the riches of these favored climes, 

No poet ever, in his loftiest rhymes. 

Could worthily depict what we shall find 

Upon the pearl - strewed shores of golden Inde. 

That island lately left, and these fair isles 

We now are passing, where bright Nature smiles, 

Are but the outskirts of that wondrous realm 

Whither we steer. Marvels will overwhelm 

Our minds ere long. There cities rich and vast 

Into our laps will boundless treasures cast: 

Thence shall our ships, like caskets, laden deep 

With precious freight on homeward course swift 

sweep. 
There Prester John, the Khan of wide Cathay, 
Before our eyes will untold wealth display; 
His largest city, Quinsai by name. 
All cities of Iberia puts to shame. 
The walls are more than thirty leagues around, 



no COLl'MFl'S 

It hath twelve hundred bridg-es. There abound 

Splendid produetions of the gorgeous East I 

I cannot all narrate. Believe at least, 

That \ou and I, full soon, shall penetrate 

E'en to the lieart of that vast Indian state. 

An Engli>hman, John ]Mande\ille, doth tell 

The selfsame facts; liis long accounts o'erswell 

The grand descriptions ^Slarco Polo gives. 

At Cambalu, he saith, the Grand Khan lives 

In hugest palace, fuUv two leagues round, 

Wherein three hundred thousand men are found, 

These are the servants of the Royal Court. 

Columns of carven gold, he doth report. 

Sustain the heavv golden patines of the roof, 

While silken curtains, of tine Imlian woof, 

Hang in festoons enriched witli varied dye 

Whose colors dazzle the bewildered eye. 

One hundred thousand servants, he declares, 

These have in keeping lions, tigers, bears; 

Ten thousand elephants they daily feed; 

The chargers far surpass the Arabian breed; 

Thousands of splendid birds, whose plumage bright 



AJV EPIC POEM 

With rainbow hues is beaiiteously bedight, 

Fht in the sunshine of that palace fair, 

Their warbled songs filling the gladsome air. 

Ye long, with me, to reach this glorious land, 

vSoon shall ye do so, heeding my command. 

Magnificent reward our toils shall reap. 

For we may gather from each glittering heap 

Of oriental treasure, lustrous prize 

Of sparkling gems, whose brilliance fills the eyes. 

That gaze thereon, with wonder and delight. 

Vivid carbuncles there — in darksome night — 

vShoot self -emitted rays of fiery hue. 

They through the ages ceaselessly renew 

Their potent energies. 

Our monarchs send. 
By us in embassy, what shall befriend 
Our ardent wishes; royal letters sealed. 
And signed, wherein most clearly are revealed 
The powers on us conferred by Christian Spain; 
By these shall we this splendid tribute gain I " 

Columbus these reports fully believed. 



1 1 1 



112 COLUMBUS 

What he thus told his auditors received 
With fullest trust; he, for long time, had fed 
His fancy with the records oft - times read 
In days gone by, until he held all true 
That Mandeville and Marco Polo drew. 

E'en to his latest days fixed was his mind 
That he had reached the borders of far Inde, 
The natives were by him as Indians named. 
These isles as the West Indies he e'er claimed. 



BOOK VII. 

ARGUMENT. 

Description of a placid scene among the Bahamas. Escape of an Indian. A 
solitary voyager taken on board. He precedes the ships to Exuma. 
That island described. The island of Isabella. The natural beauties 
of this region. The stars of early morning at the end of October. 
Sunrise after Isabella is left. 

Next morn they landed on an island fair, 

Calm was the ocean, still the ambient air; 

Rich luscious fruit were in abundance seen 

Like ruby, or like topaz 'mid the green 

Of interlacing boughs. The mangrove tree 

Bent o'er the crystal waters of that sea, 

Its juicy fruit was mirrored in the deep. 

Then smooth as glass, no wavelet's gentlest sweep 

Then laved the tangled roots where ocean's rim 

Was shadowed by the growth that rendered dim 

Even the light that beams o'er tropic seas. 

So densely grew the overhanging trees; 

Here forests ever green, and ever fair. 

With spicy perfumes load the balmy air. 

"3 



COLUMBUS 



Slowly a boat's crew search the wood -girt 
shore, 
Each root -entangled creek as they explore, 
Reveals, in every mimic bay, a sight 
That fills each gazer with a calm delight. 
With languid stroke they pull anigh the strand, 
Where all, as in the lotos - eater's land. 
Is full of quietude, where peace serene 
Rests ever on the still and quiet scene. 
When leisurely they push from idle shore. 
Their eyes the depth of ocean may explore. 
Where, many a fathom sleeping far below. 
The bed of ocean smiles, uplit by glow 
Of sun o'erhead, beneath whose beams full clear • 
The groves of living coral bright appear. 
Amid those coral groves, far 'neath the wave, 
Fish glide, how slowly, clad in colors brave. 
Thus sea, and sky, and air, and fertile land. 
Their soothing influence shed on every hand. 

Columbus knows not yet how hurricane, 
With force terrific, rouseth oft that main; 



AAT EPIC POEM I 

How cyclone roars with such tempestuous force 
That nothing else is heard, when in mad course 
It spreads wide havoc as it onward sweeps 
O'er Indian isles, then raging ocean leaps 
With thundering breakers on the affrighted strand. 
While swift destruction desolates the land. 

Not long the hero on this island stayed, 
Nor wealth, nor gems, the islanders displayed. 
In vain his eyes were longing to behold 
The gleaming glitter of refulgent gold; 
All that he saw spake of a simple life 
W^ith quiet happiness and pleasures rife; 

Such is the truest and the best of wealth 

Freedom from care, and blessed with joys of health - 
That wealth he seeks this isle doth not afford, 
So, speedily, the crews return aboard. 
But, ere the sails are all unfurled, there leaps 
Into the deep an Indian. Then he sweeps. 
Swift as an arrow, from the Nina's side. 
They see him 'neath the crystal waters glide. 
With skilful dive a near canoe to g-ain : 



Ii6 COLUMBUS 

His Indian brethren every muscle strain, 

They reach the shore, then — scarcely glancing 

round — 
They run to hide within the woodland's bound. 
Back to the Niiia the canoe is brought. 
The prize they find is intricately wrought 
With carvings most elaborate. The skill 
Thereon displayed doth each observer fill 
With wonder, that mere savages could make 
A craft that could such admiration w^ake. 
This Indian canoe from one huge tree 
Was hollowed out, w^ith such dexterity 
And cleverness, with lines so wondrous true 
That through the waves at headlong speed it flew. 
Propelled by paddles such its rushing pace 
The Nina's boat, pursuing, lost the race. 

From this calm isle, at noon, the navy steers. 
Some leagues away a larger island cheers 
The sight. Impatiently they make slow way 
Though every stitch of canvas they display. 



AJV EPIC POEM 117 

The laggard wind scarce breathes as zephyr light; 
They reach the island as descends the night. 

Midway a fragile bark the crews espy, 
When the canoe the navy draweth nigh 
A solitary Indian they see, 
While all admire the man's temerity 
In venturing so far from land. On deck 
They lift his craft, that lately seemed a speck 
Upon the liquid plain. They soon discern 
That from San Salvador he came, they learn 
'Tis so, for glass beads round his brawny arm. 
Such as they gave, are bound as potent charm. 
With biscuits, honey, and fine wheaten bread 
The solitary voyager is fed; 

Then, launched upon the wave, he landward steers. 
Each native of the isle his story hears. 
The world was quite forsaken by the sun. 
Before a sheltering bay the navy won; 
Hundreds of natives, ere had fled the night, 
Surround the ships. Columbus, with delight. 
Receives their sfifts of sweet refreshing- fruits; 



Ii8 COLUMBUS 

Vessels of water cool, and juicy roots, 
The Indians supply. 

Soon as the morn 
Blushed from the roseate East, with light new- born, 
The boats were launched, the strong oars smote the 

main. 
And clave the yielding waves the shore to gain. 
Of natives seen, far more intelligent 
And civilized were these. Like royal tent. 
Or round pavilion, their dwellings stood, 
Palm leaves o'er - roof ing walls of reeds or wood. 
Strong cotton nets suspended — hamacs named — 
By art ingenious these natives framed. 
The matrons o'er their shoulders mantles threw. 
Aprons they wove most brilliant in hue. 

Upon the verdant turf, anigh the shore. 
While for fresh water the ships' crews explore, 
Columbus rests within a shady grove. 
Over the scene his eyes with pleasure rove. 
The hero in his journal wrote, " The scene. 
Like Andalusia in May, is green; 



AN EPIC POEM ll< 

The trees, the fruits, the herhs are passing fair. 

Aroma, as of spices, fills the air. 

The very soil and rocks are strange in hue, 

Most heautiful is everything w^e view!" 

But, since nor gold nor gems could here be found, 

The navy soon again was seaward bound. 

They next the last of the Bahamas greet, 
Fairer than any seen as yet; most meet 
They Isabella name this lovely isle. 
Delighted with its beauties. For a while 
Columbus lingers, deeming gold abounds; 
But closest search his ardent wish confounds 
With disappointment, here no precious ore 
Greets with bright ray the eyes that keen explore. 

When sailing off this isle the balmy air 
Was laden with such fragrant odors rare. 
As if from Araby the Blest the breeze 
Were blowing softly, fanning Indian seas. 
" The trees and herbs," e'en so Columbus wrote, 
" From which delicious scents so sweetly float. 



I20 COLUMBUS 

Are strange and new, and of such value, they 

Our further search most amply will repay. 

The fish, that swarm upon this island's coast, 

Of gorgeous tinted scales full richly boast. 

So brilliant and dazzling to the view 

Like gems they gleam, all various in hue; 

The beauteous birds in such dense flocks here fly 

That their vast numbers oft becloud the sky; 

Here Nature is most prodigal of wealth. 

The genial airs inspiring, full of health. 

Give an exuberance, enriching life. 

So gently breathing and with pleasure rife 

The passing bieeze — whether on sea or land — 

'Tis laden with sweet healing influence bland." 

Vivid imagination heightened sense, 
Thus, to Columbus, fired with zeal intense, 
All he beheld wore theii a roseate hue. 
While day by day delight with him still grew, 
As isle on isle revealed each beauteous sight, 
Illumined by the tropic sun's clear light. 
Success was wuth him, and its magic power 



AjV epic poem 121 

With added splendor could not fail to dower 
All that he saw; thus, his perfervid soul, 
In florid language must, perforce, extol 
The never - ending sights that yielded joy. 

Fair Nature — with such souls — can never 
cloy : 
Her moods are changeful, but in storm or calm, 
Those with her love imbued find ceaseless charm; 
The seasons each in turn, the day, the night. 
To loving eyes yield exquisite delight. 
Amid these seas, o'er which Columbus sailed. 
Her magic spell, with potency prevailed. 
And every isle he saw was all her own. 
The glamour of her beauty widely thrown 
Upon each hill, and vale, and wood - girt shore, 
There did she lavish all her bounteous store. 
Great Nature! ever old, yet ever young! 
Thy love hath warmed all poets who have sung 
Throughout all time, ever their sweetest lays 
Are those awakened in thy glorious praise! 



122 COLUMBUS 

October draweth now auigh its close, 
Columbus here no longer may repose, 
But quits this island ere renewing day 
With Phoebus' shafts drives gloomy night away. 
The crooked anchors, w^eighed, forsake the deep; 
The seamen ply long oars with steady sweep; 
Thus, in the darkness, Isabella's Isle 
The navy leaves; but — as though loth the while — 
The vessels slowly move, their empty sails 
All idly hang, for perfect calm prevails. 

Cloudless the sky; due south bright Sirius 
gleams. 
Brighter than any other star his beams. 
His changing beams that glitter as they dart. 
Now ruby red, now sapphire blue, they start 
Across the fields of ether, then as green 
As brightest emerald their trembling sheen. 
Then gleaming like an opal in the sky. 
Or vivid diamond flashing to the eye. 
Huge Sirius! a thousand times more vast 
Than our own star, the Sun, thy rays are cast 



AN EPIC POEM 123 

Athwart illimitable space! We sink 

To nothingness when of thy orb we think! 

Due west of thee Columbus saw shine bright 

Magnificent Orion; saw the light 

From Rigel blue, from Betelgeux deep -red; 

The beams that from his three -gemmed Belt are 

sped. 
The Pleiades then kissed the western wave, 
Aldebaran his ruddy lustre gave 
Unto the forehead of the Bull, whose rays 
The midnight sky each Autumn bright displays. 
Just ere the dawn, far in the east was seen 
Fair Spica Virginis, of stars the queen; 
Bright shone great Regulus, the Lion's Heart, 
Then from the southeast did his rays forthdart. 
Columbus paced the deck till new - born Day 
Chased, with Apollo's shafts, swart Night away. 

The sun uprushed from 'neath the ocean's rim: 
In tropic climes brief is the twilight dim. 
Day follows night, no interval between. 
The risins: sun bursts instant on the scene. 



124 COLUMBUS 

He from the far horizon's circHng line, 
Shoots o'er the wave his energy divine. 
Light stratus clouds are spread and now disclose 
Rich varied tints, such oft at even's close, 
Or blushing morn, bedeck the glorious skies 
With purple, golden, or vermilion dyes. 

Until day's orb attains his highest post 
The navy lingers near this island's coast. 
When noon hath fully come each spacious sail. 
In swelling curve, receives the welcome gale; 
Each keen - edged prow divides the furrowed deep. 
The ships ongliding to the southwest sweep. 



BOOK VIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

Discovery of Cuba; its first appearance described. Columbus ascends a 
river and explores the forest on its banks. He sails v^^estward, then 
anchors and summons a council. Speech of Columbus. Pinzon hnds 
fault. The notary names a leader for the embassage. The ships 
careened and the potato discovered. Report of Rodrigo de Jerez of 
the mission. Smoking of tobacco first seen. Unsatisfactory nature of 
report. 

With strong breeze right abaft, onspeeding free, 

The vessels southwest plough the sunlit sea 

On further quest. When the fourth morning smiles, 

A land immense, whose coast for countless miles 

Extends on either hand, salutes their sight; 

Its mountains towering to imposing height. 

Rivers adovvn broad, verdant valleys glide 

To mingle with the ocean's crystal tide. 

Dense, spreading forests are bedecked in green. 

Far - stretching headlands close the distant scene; 

O'erhanging promontories, winding bays. 

This fertile land upon its coast displays. 

This land, but now discerned, the Indians name 

125 



126 COLUMBUS 

As Cubanaca, world-wide now its fame: 

Thou " Pearl of the Antilles," island vast, 

On thee the hero's gladdened gaze is cast! 

He sees luxuriant trees o'ermantle all 

Thy swelling slopes; their beauties now recall 

Unto Columbus what he oft had seen, 

The tall Sicilian Mountains where the screen 

Of lofty oaks, and clustering vines o'ershades 

The rich volcanic soil, where fruitful glades 

Fringe Sicily's fair coast, beneath whose skies 

Etna's huge flanks majestically rise 

And form his mighty cone. Upon this shore 

Of Cuba's land no bellowing moimtains roar. 

The sails are furled, over the sides are cast 
The ropes that hold the strong - wrought anchors fast. 
In a wide river's mouth the navy rides, 
The swift, transparent current laves its sides 
By foliage dense o'erhung. Up this clear stream. 
Whose waters sjDarkle 'neath the noontide beam, 
Columbus rides and notes its wooded shores; 
His boat darts on impelled by sweeping oars 



AJV EPIC POEM 



27 



Pulled manfully; the sailors stoutly bend 

Unto their task, their craft to swiftly send 

Against the current; their ascending course 

Needs all their skill and brawny arms' full force. 

On either bank luxuriant palms arise 

To lordly height, aspiring to the skies; 

Their leaves wide - spreading, graceful and immense, 

In that fierce clime a grateful shade dispense: 

Strange are their forms, unlike the stately palms 

That lend to Afric's green oases charms. 

Nor like the palms on Europe's southern coast, 

Nor are they such as Asian forests boast; 

But huger they, with beauties far beyond 

The Old World palms, more wide spreads each curved 

frond. 
Bright blooms and fruits cluster on unknown trees. 
Whose laden branches in the gentle breeze 
Scarce wave, so gently through them breathes the 

wind. 

Columbus bids the mariners now bind 
The boat to some near tree. He steps on shore. 



128 COLUMBUS 

Sets forth, attended duly, to explore 
The forest depths. The timorous natives fly 
At his approach; two huts that stand anigh 
He searches; in these simple homes no gold, 
Nor precious gems, his longing eyes behold; 
Such wealth is absent, here he doth see naught 
But fishers' hooks by barbarous labor wrought, 
iVnd rudest snares to capture finny prey: 
The aborigines herein display 
No signs of riches, nor of cultured art: 
Forthwith from these rude huts his men depart, 
Nor seize they aught, presents he leaves behind, 
Beads and hawks' bells to show intention kind. 

Columbus wanders through the forest where 
Birds of bright plumage wing the fragrant air. 
Like living gems bright humming-birds are seen 
Flashing resplendent colors 'mid the green 
And interlacing boughs; like beams of light 
They dart in beauty, oft eluding sight, 
While swift as thought they dash from flower to 
flower 



A.V EPIC POEM 129 

With hues of Iris in each forest bower. 

In shady depths, o'erhung by foHage dense, 

The fireflies flit whose mimic lamps intense 

Amid the dim recesses brightly beam 

Like sparkling diamonds with their vivid gleam. 

Adown a glade, iiplit by sunny rays, 

A fair savannah to his sight displays 

A row of tall flamingoes, in the sheen 

Their scarlet plumage brightens 'gainst the green; 

The verdant meads shine brilliantly clear, 

When Nature's beauties on all sides appear. 

Leaving the forest lands they gain the boat. 
And down the ample river gaily float. 
The broad majestic stream doth seaward sweep 
And bears them onward to the ocean deep. 

Columbus coasts this captivating land; 
For many days his ships to northwest stand. 
The lush grass spreads e'en to the very verge 
Of that calm ocean where his ^'essels urge 
Their onward way. 



130 COLUMBUS 

When full a week had passed 
Columbus bade his men their anchors cast, 
They moored the three ships near a headland grim, 
As daylight waned. After the Vesper Hymn 
He summoned to his ship — jDromptly they came — 
The captains, pilots, and the men of fame 
Who on the Niiia and the Pinta sailed: 
All were assembled as the black night veiled 
The land and sea: lanterns and torches bright 
Upon his vessel's deck shed cheering light. 

"Commanders! dignitaries of the Court, 
Whom SjDain hath sent to render full report!" 
Thus spake Columbus, " I have summoned ye 
To conference, that ye may hear from me 
What course I purpose. Yet, I fain would hear 
How my proposals to your minds appear. 
Shall we still westward sail, or here remain 
Until from inland we may knowledge gain 
By some ambassadors? To me it seems 
That here the mainland spreads, for mighty streams 
Profound, their waters in vast volumes pour 



AN EPIC POEM 13, 

Adown wide vales. This is the utmost shore, 

Methinks, of Asian hinds; liere eastmost Inde 

Outspreads its coast; inhmd I hope to find 

The territories of that Indian King, 

From whose vast treasures we to vSpain may bring 

Proofs of his wealth, so fabulously great. 

Shall we determine patiently to wait. 

While, far inland, an embassy we send?" 

Martin Alonzo Pinzon, chiefest friend 
Unto Columbus in that armament. 

Now spake, "Lord Admiral! since vSpain hath sent 
And honored us in sending, courtiers wise, 
I long to hear what they would now advise. 
But, with forbearance, let my voice be heard, 
Most carefully have I of late referred 
To Toscanelli's chart; therein I find 
Here lies, just possibly, the coast of Inde: 
The Florentine, whose map I've closely scanned, 
Depicteth here the margin of that land 
Where Marco Polo travelled. This being so, 
I now advise that we no further oro 



132 COLUMBUS 

Until some mission hath the land exj^lored, 
And ascertained the facts. 

I have deplored 
That from due southward course our pj'ows were 

turned, 
Wlien at San Salvador we clearly learned 
How we should that way steer. Yet I defer 
Unto our Admiral! wSince we confer 
Upon his invitation I make bold 
To speak my mind, for this the truth I hold!" 

Whereat Columbus, with quick, searching eyes 
On the bluff captain turned, filled with surprise 
And crrief he g-azed on him: Pinzon dissented clear 
From his opinion to westward steer. 
With deep vexation then Columbus thus, 
"Westward I deemed the wiser course for us, 
Amazed am I Pinzon should now dissent! 
Why did he not oppose, when my intent 
At Isabella's Isle my words declared? 
Pinzon! with me courageously thou dared 
To leave behind the shores of distant Spain, 



AJV EPIC POEM J ^9 

To venture on tlie wide, inilraversed main; 

Companion of my toils, my heart is sore 

When thou dost bhime me and my acts deplore!" 

Now spake the functionary who was sent 
As Notar}^ Chief upon the armament. 
"Methinks, my honored sirs, that we should leave 
Discussion on this point! Ye both believe 

The mainland we have reached. If it l)e so 

And ye skilled navigators doubtless know! 

Then, since ye both an embassy advise. 

To concentrate our thoughts on that is wise. 

Now I suggest, with these wide realms in view, 

That in our embassage the Spanish Jew, 

Luis de Torres, wdio hath Christian turned, 

And who in Oriental tongues is learned. 

In Hebrew, Arabic, and in Chaldaic, 

In Persian and other speech Archaic, 

That he in honorable port proceed 

With those we send. Two Indians w^e shall need; 

From fair San Salvador, the first -found land 

Choose we the chief, one who doth understand. 



134 COLUMBUS 

As well ye know, some portion of our speech, 

To neighboring nations he our power will teach: 

Another Indian from this Cuban shore 

May act as guide, the mainland to explore. 

Some noble Spaniard at the head we need, 

Fitly could Rodrigo de Jerez lead 

This expedition; his capacity, 

His fearless spirit and sagacity 

Are known of all. I venture to suggest 

That he as worthy leader would prove best." 

Columbus thus, "Wisdom hath winged each 
wo I'd 
That from our notary we just have heard: 
To his suggestions I at once agree. 
Westward no longer will we rove the sea 
If this our mission fruitless shall return. 
And of the Khan no certain tidings learn; 
Then Pinzon's wishes shall find fitting place, 
Eastward, along this coast, we'll then retrace 
Our watery way ; soon as the land we clear 
Straightway our prows shall to the southward steer. 



A AT EPIC POEM 

Resolved am I Cathay shall yet be found, 
E'en if the world itself I compass round!" 

The Embassy departed on next day, 
Through valleys wide and forests deep their way 
Conducted them. 

Meanwhile the vessels three. 
That for so long a time had ploughed the sea. 
Were now careened; for all their pitchy seams, 
The tar being molten by the tropic beams, 
Demanded that afresh each bolt and board 
Should be examined and its strength assured. 
In searching for new products one was found, 
Whose mealy tubers ripen underground. 
The food that Erin prizes as her own. 
To whom Sir Walter Raleigh made it known. 
Thus here 'twas first displaved unto the eves 
Of Europeans; little did they prize 
At first the tuber, but, as years rolled by 
It took due place in estimation high. 

After six davs th' emissaries returned. 
From whom Columbus eagerly soon learned 



35 



136 COLUMBUS 

How they had fared upon tlieir iidand tour. 
A shady glade, nigh unto Cuba's shore, 
Was chosen for the conclave met to hear 
What should decide if westward thev must steer. 

Then Rodrigo de Jerez spake, who led 
The Embassy, " Lord Admiral we sped 
Across yond' southern ridge, and ere three days 
Were fully gone, when the third noontide's rays 
Shone fiercely on the earth, 'twas found that we 
Had measured twelve leagues from the sounding sea. 
When we the highest ridge had crossed at last. 
Into a belt of forest dense we passed. 
Wherethrough we struggled until that day's noon, 
Then to an open plain we came full soon. 
The plain stretched southward, many a league it spread; 
From nigh the Zenith at the noon were shed 
The sun's fierce beams, from an unclouded sky. 
Whereon a town we then beheld anigh. 
The aborigines astonished viewed 
Our little band, while onward we pursued 
Our steadfast course. Forth came the great Cazique, 



AJV EPIC POEM i^H 

In wonderment what we from him could seek. 
Surrounded by his chiefs we forwai-d went 
To that strange town, to open our intent. 
But the unresting sun was sloping down 
Toward the west, ere we could gain that town; 
It stood hard by a stream, on rising ground. 
Where numerous lofty buildings clustered round 
A noble square. The population dense. 
Of varied grades, filled all the space immense. 
Awaiting us. The tribe's Cazique sat there. 
With courtiers standing round the royal chair: 
For each of us a seat with skins was placed. 
Each seat with carvings elegant was traced. 
With deference, but yet with questioning eyes, 
The people gazed upon us with suiprise. 
Then did the Israelite essay, by speech 
In varied tongues, the royal ears to reach. 
And tell our mission; but 'twas all in vain 
He tried the speech of Araby or Spain, 
Bootless the effort when he Hebrew spake, 
Nor could Chaldaic nor Persian awake 
A due response. Then the interpreter 



1 38 • COLUMBUS 

From fair San Salvador sought to confer 

With the Caziqne: more fortunate was he. 

The Hstening chief now clearly learned that we 

Were sent, to hear from him, if the Grand Khan 

Ruled o'er this realm. Then, as our orders ran. 

We told how you from Spain had letters brought 

From Ferdinand, and from his Queen, who sought 

The friendship of that mighty potentate 

Who ruled Cathay in right imperial state. 

Of all the power and the munificence 

Of the white man he spake. The influence 

Of what he said increased the wonder great 

Of that Cazique, who heard him thus relate 

The purport of our visit. Here we saw. 

For the first time in these far lands, some law 

Of precedence; that different ranks were here. 

'Tis known, that up to now, equal appear 

All of the natives seen. Not so this state. 

For when the Indians seemed to hold debate 

What to reply, 'twas clear that the Cazique 

Permitted only certain men to speak, 

Whose rank entitled them to take some share 



Ajv epic poem 

In council with him. Others did not dare, 

Being of a lower order, aught to say. 

But in this court we saw no bright display 

Of glittering gems, nor yet of precious gold. 

But here a marvel great did we behold: 

A hollow bowl, with dried leaves lit therein. 

Was furnished with a long tube straight and thin, 

Wherefrom was drawn a pungent curling smoke 

The great Cazique, ere in reply he spoke. 

Drew down the tube fumes from the fiery bowl, 

These blew he forth through air to upward roll. 

This instrument the Calumet is named. 

Or Pipe of Peace. The herb is widely famed 

Among the Indians of the Occident, 

Most perfect friendship by this act is meant; 

Then the Cazique to us the pipe conveyed. 

The Israelite and I to smoke essayed. 

Disgusted were we with the nauseous smoke, 

So hot and pungent we did well nigh choke; 

Not so our guides, for each one in his turn 

With vigorous puffs made the tobacco kin-n." 



39 



i_|.0 COLUMBUS 

Thus spake he of the world - famed Cahimet, 
How first the Pipe of Peace their vision met; 
They saw the magic leaf, the solace dear 
Of peer and peasant that doth sorrow cheer: 
They knew not yet the virtues of the leaf, 
Nor aught of its calm comfort and relief 
To weary brain and limbs. What aid for thought 
Sages aver the soothing weed hath brought! 
Yes! men now prize it, and when high upcurls 
The wreathino- clouds in orraceful floatinof whirls 
Of fragrant incense then they bless the day 
When o'er the deep Columbus steered his way: 
The gold and gems, brought from those isles afar. 
Are scarce more prized than Cuba's famed cigar. 

He told moreover how, throughout that land 
The ground was tilled, that fields on everv hand 
Bore crops of pulse, and maize or Indian corn, 
While bushes whereon Afi pods were borne 
Were cultivated, and were highly prized; 
All proved the people were more civilized 
Than any who had heretofore been seen. 



AA^ EPIC POEM 



No gems nor gold they saw with longed-for sheen; 

Thus all de Jerez told, conclusively, 

Proved hopes of wealth were held delusively. 



BOOK IX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Columbus returns easterly. Desertion by Pinzon. Discussion with Roderigo 
de Sanchez. Hayti reached. An Indian woman captured. Visit of a 
Cazique. Invitation from Guacanagari. The Santa Maria lost on a 
sandbank. Fortress of La Navidad built. Parting banquet given by the 
Cazique Guacanagari. Native dances and mimic warfare. Spanish 
archery and swordsmanship. Power of firearms shown. Farewell 
speech of Columbus to the garrison. 

After de Jerez such report had brought, 

Cokuiibus saw that further stay was fraught 

With little good. Here no barbaric prince 

With splendid court held potent sway. But since 

The Cubans spake of a near isle, Babeque, 

His ample sails ^vere spread that land to seek: 

Upon its rivers' banks the Indians told 

Were stones all richly veined with sparkling gold. 

Eastward — since he had promise made — he turned 

His vessels' prows, though in his heart he yearned 

To westward steer. 

He hoped that Pinzon now 

More satisfied w^ould be, when Pinta's prow 

142 



AJV EPIC POEM 

Sped from the setting sun. His hope was vain! 

This mariner, who had erstwhile in Spain 

Aided CoUmihus to gain ships and men, 

Was now morose and taciturn; he when 

He spake at Cuba showed that in his mind 

111 feeling rankled sore. Grieved thus to find 

Pinzon estranged, anxiety anew 

Columbus felt. Full well the hero knew 

Martin Alonzo Pinzon was the chief 

Of Spanish mariners with him. Belief 

In his firm loyalt}^ he long time held. 

Now Pinzon's anger would not be dispelled. 

Columl^us saw, with grief, that ever he 

Kept his swift vessel wide apart at sea 

From that whereon the hero sailed: but oft 

The signal to keep close was run aloft 

vSanta Maria's mast. Ill could he brook 

Subordination; oft he showed, by look 

The baleful fire that burned within his breast. 

Towards the rising sun Columbus ^^I'essed: 
When Cuba for three days was lost to sight 



H3 



144 COLUMBUS 

A groujD of islets woke his keen delight, 

Mastic and aloes he believed were seen 

Among the trees, whose rich, luxuriant green 

Bedecked the isles. This region fair he named 

The sea of Nuestra Seiiora; famed, 

In later evil days, as hiding place 

Of buccaneers. So fair was Nature's face 

Amid these isles, where reigned eternal spring. 

He o^ave them name " The Gardens of the Kinsf." 

Some da\'s were here in exjDloration spent, 

Then onward still his eastern course was bent. 

The waves ran high, adversely blew the wind, 
No longer now the elements proved kind ; 
His ships were scattered when approached the night. 
The Nina and the Pinta scarce in sight. 
He signalled their return; with sails wide spread 
The Nina, right before the strong wind sped 
Across the stormy ocean drawing near. 
No Pinta came. Columbus, filled with fear. 
Ordered bright signal - lamps, when dav had fled, 
To be run up: then, from each ship's masthead, 



AJV EPIC POEM 



H5 



The beacon lights shot thwart the gloomy wave. 

As night wore on the hero's heart misgave 

Him, lest the Pinta should be lost, 

With boding fears his anxious mind was crossed. 

When midnight came the vault from dense clouds 

cleared. 
The blast abated and to westward veered. 
As rosy morning smiled along the deep, 
Columbus looked ahead, with searching sweep 
His eye now scanned the watery vast expanse, 
But no swift Pinta met his longing glance. 
W^hat then to him the glories of the morn 
That beautified the glowing east! Forlorn 
He stood anigh his vessel's prow. His heart. 
While treachery he feared, felt cruel smart. 
To join his outlook came the notary chief. 
To whom he spake. 

" Fulfilled am I with grief. 
And deep anxiety. I scarce can tell 
What now I fear. You, honored sir, know well 
Pinzon of late hath scarcely courteous been. 
Methinks that you, sir, must yourself have seen 



1^6 COLUMBUS 

How greatly he hath changed. My signal light 
Undoubtedly he saw but yesternight. 
The Niiia came! The Pinta could have done! 
Before the wind she might have swiftly run, 
Had Pinzon wished! 'Tis treachery I fear! 
Throughout this day should his ship not appear, 
Then false I deem the part that he hath played; 
That so 'twill prove I truly am afraid!" 

The notary answered thus, "Noble Viceroy! 
What now I hazard ought not to annoy 
Your ears, nor add unduly to your grief! 
Lord Admiral! it is my firm belief 
That Captain Pinzon felt himself aggrieved — 
We, by ourselves, are oftentimes deceived! 
He deemed himself a navigator good 
Even as you; let it be understood 
That such indeed I never once have thought! 
If he were thus possessed, I think we ought 
To recognize that must have warped his mind. 
And made him deem your well-meant act unkind 
When you opposed his wish. Remember, pray. 



AJV EPIC POEM 147 

As we held council in the Cuban bay, 

How he remonstrated, and with some force. 

That you, 'gainst his advice, held westward course. 

Sire! I do grant you freely acquiesced 

To change to eastward, if 'twere proved as best, 

By what should be the outcome when we sent 

An embassy. But this some color lent 

To his misgivings. Then, you also know 

That, peradventure, anger too might grow. 

Fed by the thoughts of what himself had done 

Before the embarkation could be won. 

His purse and influence in Palos Port 

Helped mightily, and, but for his support. 

No Pinta would o'er Salte's Bar have sailed. 

His potent voice among his friends prevailed." 

" I cannot blame myself," thereat replied 
Columbus, " Long, with grief have I descried 
His disaffection! Think you sir that I 
Could look upon him with a favoring eye, 
A\^hen it was -^X'AWi he would not second me? 
He homeward speeds, I fear, across the sea, 



1^8 COLUMBUS 

Hoping, before our monarchs, to forestall 

My news of our discovery. If all 

I think be true he seeks to reap the prize 

Of him who bears the news from our emprize. 

I would to God the Pinta were in view! 

Gladness within my breast would live anew." 

Since it was possible that during night 
The Pinta, 'fore the wind and sailing light 
And swiftly as she could, had repassed West, 
Columbus deemed his plan would be the best 
To turn again his prow for Cuba's Isle. 
He hung about that fertile land a while; 
Soon as December's sun shone o'er the deep 
He then resolved once more to eastward sweep. 

When Cuba's widespread shores were left 
behmd 
Headwinds adversely blew, with blast unkmd 
Impeding him. Land to southeast was seen, 
Whose craggy mountains towered o'er forests green; 
'Twas Hayti bursting on his gladdened view. 



AN EPIC POEM 149 

Fully two clays, so strong the headwinds blew, 
Were spent in tacking ere he reached the shore, 
Or could his two ships near the island moor. 
From lofty height to height the beacons glared 
Whose ruddy flames, spreading the news, wide flared 
Beneath the vault of night. Loud drums were heard, 
With Conchs' fierce blasts; Columbus thence inferred 
The land was populous. His Indians feared 
To reach this land that 'mid rude winds was neared ; 
They told Columbus cannibals lived there. 
So fierce and cruel they would bravely dare 
To meet in combat any who might land. 
They gave Columbus too, to understand 
The cannibals were monsters with one eye; 
They begged him earnestly to not draw nigh 
That ill-starred land whereon the demons dwelt; 
His Indians filled with frenzied terror knelt 
While wildly they appealed. But it was clear 
Columbus shared not in their frantic fear. 
Well knew he that his men, in armor dight, 
Would prove invincible if he must fight 
The naked savages. 



I^o COLUMBUS 

Within the bay 
By stress of weather long compelled to stay, 
Columbus found the land along the coast 
Deserted quite. Vet evidence was most 
Conclusive of a land with people filled; 
In the rich valleys countless patches tilled 
Were seen b}- well - armed bands that he had sent 
To search the island: wheresoe'er they went 
Neat homesteads, grouped in villages, there stood 
In spaces cleared from the embowering wood. 

Some mariners a native w^oman caught, 
Their dusky captive to the ship was brought: 
Ruddy as Cyprian metal warmly glowed 
Her glossy skin, her raven tresses flowed 
Around her heaving bosom; fear, surprise. 
Like lightning flashed outforth her glittering eyes. 
That black as jet in terror glanced around 
Like frightened fawn; her graceful arms were 

bound. 
Strong w^as each effort liberty to gain 
With futile struggle, ever proving vain. 



AiV EPIC POEM i^I 

The native women on the caravel 

vSpake soothingly, they told her all \vas well, 

That her celestial captors w^ould release 

Her speedily, would send her forth in peace 

With splendid gifts restore her to her friends. 

The kindly aspect of the hero lends 

Assurance to their words. The women bind. 

Around her liberated arms, all deftly twined. 

Some strings of bright green beads in many a row, 

In splendid contrast to the sunny glow 

O'ermantling all her face and rounded arms. 

Enhancing wondrously her dusky charms. 

Whereon she begs that she may now remain 

With new-found Indian friends: but all in vain 

She prays. Columbus bids her swift return 

Unto her friends, that they his heart may learn. 

A bright hucd cap and tinkling bells he gave. 

These gifts magnificent could but enslave 

Her heart. Whereat homeward she swiftly hied, 

Grateful and glad, her fears all pacified. 

The husband came next day with thanks to own 

The generosity and kindness shown 



^5- 



COLUMBUS 



Unto his wife: with him a goodly host 
Of natives gathered on the Haytiaii coast. 



Then a Cazique, on royal litter borne, 
Came to the shore ere fled the sunny morn. 
Columbus him received with joy elate, 
As he approached the strand in regal state; 
On splendid staves, upheld to screen the head 
Of that Cazique, a canopy was spread 
O'er the palanquin whereon he reclined: 
Around the staves were gracefully entwined 
Thin golden chains, of the same metal rare 
A circling crown enclasped his jetty hair, 
Wherefrom, above, there waved a gorgeous crest 
Of drooping plumes that royal rank expressed. 
Noble in presence, kingly in his mien. 
True innate majesty in him was seen; 
A thousand of his subjects stood aro4.md. 
Whose hearts in willing fealty were bound: 
In amicable intercourse the day 
Was spent. He told that to the east there lay 



AJV EPIC POEM 1^3 

The realms of one, Guacanagari, 

His chief Cazique, one greater far than he. 



Ere shone the next day's noon Columbus heard, 
By an ambassador, the welcome word 
That great Guacanagari desired 
The ships to eastward steer, since he aspired 
To entertain Columbus as his guest. 
Whereat no longer could the hero rest 
Within the haven where his ships lay moored. 
But gave command that speedily aboard 
All mariners should hie. When dawned next morn 
Athwart the deep, the anchors were uptorn 
From out the ocean's bed; then hoisting sail 
The ships to eastward stood. No favoring gale 
Ruffled the surface of the placid bav. 
Hugging the shore they made but tardy way; 
The seamen patiently the long oars plied. 
Yet therewithal the ships did slowly glide. 
There, fronting them, the sun's uprising light 
Flushed with deep rosy hue and amber bright 
The fleecy cloudlets of the eastern sky. 



154 COLUMBUS 

Columbus looked, and with delighted eye 

Beheld the verdant shores of liayti's land, 

Where hosts of natives marched along- the strand: 

Around his ships darted the swift canoes. 

Some forward went to bear the gladsome news 

Unto Guacanagari that soon 

Columbus would arrive, ere came the noon. 

Throughout all day scarcely a zephyr light 

Breathed o'er the waters. When approached the 

night 
Their destination was some leagues away. 
So slowly rode the caravels that day. 

This Christmas Eve the sacred Vesper Hymn 
From grateful hearts upi-ose. The western rim 
Of the translucent ocean brightly gleamed 
As sank the sun, from whose red orb outstreamed 
The glorious colors that, with vai ietl dye 
Illumed the vault of an unclouded sky. 
The mariners had toiled throughout the day 
To urge the vessels on their slow - won wav. 
The long oars ceaselessly, from morn to night 



AN EPIC POEM l^^ 

They plied to reach their haven while 'twas Hght. 
Cohimbus bade his weary seamen all 
Seek rest below. 

Obedient to his call 
The helmsman and a lad with him remained 
To keep the watch. Midnight was well-nigh gained 
When he, himself awearied, songht the balm 
Of needed slumber. Since the sea was calm, 
Outspreading like a sheet of polished glass, 
Tempted by this it luckless came to pass 
The helmsman to the lad the rudder gave, 
Fearing no harm from either wind or wave. 
He soon was steeped in sleep's forgetfulness. 
His strength outworn by thorough weariness. 
The lad, all inexperienced to the post. 
Was unaware of drifting towards the coast; 
'Twas here a treacherous current sped along 
All quietly, with fateful force right strong 
It bore the vessel to a bank of sand, 
With sudden jar upon its ridge to strand. 

The shock awoke Columbus from light sleep. 



1^6 COLUMBUS 

He rushed upon the deck and found the deep 

Dashing and foaming round his ship, for here 

The strong -set current breakers formed. With clear 

And ringing voice he promptly gave command 

His vessel's boat should be right quickly manned. 

The master of the watch, then scarce awake, 

Leaped in the boat, but made a dire mistake; 

Columbus bade him take an anchor out. 

Then try to haul the vessel's stern about 

With cables strono-, to stem the current's mig^ht: 

Amid the turmoil he heard not aright. 

Sped to the Nina — windward o'er the wave 

A mile away — her instant help to crave. 

Meanwhile the rushing waters further pressed 

The stranded ship in. the devouring breast 

Of shifting sand, that held her thus more fast; 

So when the Nina came the die was cast. 

The cruel current heeled her on one side. 

Never again the wave to proudly ride; 

Tiie forceful onrush oper.ed wide her seams, 

And, in its might, unwrenched her strongest beams: 

Her gajDing timbers opened yet more wide 



AN EPIC POEM 157 

Wherethrough there coursed the foaming breakers' 

tide. 
That she would soon break up Cohuiibus knew, 
This dire contingency so close in view 
Her stores were soon unshipped, then borne to land. 
Guacanagari, upon the strand, 
Gave orders to his subjects c[uick to aid 
The mariners. He due provision made 
For a strict watch upon the priceless store 
That now was piled upon liis kingdom's shore. 
From this Cazique the hero, in distress, 
Received condolence; this did he express 
Not by mere words, his tears showed forth his grief 
And svmpathy. His subjects brought relief 
In all the ways they could. Not aught was ta'en 
Of all the stores they rescued from the main. 
Thus Christmas Day wore on, wdiilc, sick at heart, 
The hero felt misfortune's cruel dart. 
The following day upon the Niiia came 
Guacanagari, whose honored name 
Columbus ever held as that of one 
Who his eternal srratitude had won. 



15S COLUMBUS 

The great Cazique then offered all the aid 

Within his power, the while he clearly made 

The hero, midst his sorrow understand 

lie placed at his disposal all the land 

That owned his sway. While they communed there 

came 
From distant coast a huge canoe, the fame 
Of their bright gifts had spread afar. Much gold 
To traffic for hawks' bells, that craft did hold. 

Meanwhile from those on shore Columbus 
heard 
Some gladsome news bv which his heart was stirred ; 
From inland districts gold was freely brought 
The tinkling bells to buy. The natives sought 
These noisy toys, for in the rhythmic dance, 
The silvery sounds did their delight enhance. 
Guacanagari said Cibao 

Held wealthy mines. Like unto CijDango 
Sounded this name, forthwith Columbus deemed 
He was anigh the land whereof he dreamed. 
Then the Cazique dined on the caravel. 



A.V EPIC POEM I^C) 

On biscuits, meats, and honey feasting well; 

The wines of Spain were nectar unto him 

Who stayed aboard until the sky grew dim 

At the approach of night. vSo, day by da}-. 

The rest of that eventful year away 

Onglided swift. Meanwhile it was proposed 

A fortress should be built. Some were disposed 

A colony to form; the Xiila small 

Could certainly accommodate not all 

Of both the crews, on the long voNage home 

Across the wide Atlantic's surging foam. 

La Xavidad was built upon the head 

Of a sea - beaten cape, below was spread. 

To landward, a dense forest thick entwined 

With undergrowth. Beauty and strength combined 

To make the site delightful and secure. 

The garrison were willing to endure 

Their lonesome lot, while forth to distant Spain 

The Nina voyaged 'cross the furrowed main. 

Ere they depart Guacanagari 
Ordains a feast. Two furlongfs from the sea 



i6o COLUMBUS 

An amphitheatre, near Ha3'ti's coast, 

Vaster than any Greece or Rome could boast, 

But formed by Nature, open to the day, 

Gives an arena grand. Soon as the ray 

Of rosy morning shot athwart the sky. 

Before whose advent gloomy night doth fly. 

When fair Aurora smiling blushed o'er earth, 

And joyous Day once more rejoiced at birth 

Of sunny hours; and as the emerald waves. 

Whose gentle motion that shore ever laves. 

Were kissed by Phoebus, who with gladsome light 

Shone from the east darting his arrows bright 

Then crowds of natives spread the banquet there: 

Strange fruits and dishes formed the ample fare. 

Beneath one green hill's crest, just out of sight, 
The Indian cooks pursue with keen delight 
Their avocations. Here no cauldrons boil. 
But rounded holes, deep in the clayey soil, 
Are dug to form their simple ovens where 
The roasted food they skillfully prepare. 



AN EPIC POEM 1 6] 

vSmooth stony spheres, large as the firm - clenched 

hand, 
Line these receptacles. The fires are fanned 
Until the fuel flames with vigor hright; 
When naught but glowing embers greet the sight 
The white - hot ashes are with swiftness spread ; 
'Mid the fierce heat, the stones being fiery red, 
The utias and fish (encased in clay) 
Are quickly in these ovens stowed away; 
Flat stones, in other ovens heated, o'er 
The tops are placed. Thus, in due time, a store 
Of baked and luscious food is here prepared. 
That 'mong the guests is dexterously shared. 
Each case of clay, made crisp l)y fiercest heat. 
Is cracked and torn away; the well - cooked meat 
Hath thus retained the welcome, juicy part: 
The grateful feasters praise the natives' art. 
No beeves nor muttons in this land arc found. 
But, from their burrows in the fertile ground. 
The utias, or conies, they obtain. 
Turtles and fish, fresh from the bounteous main. 



1 62 COLUMBUS 

With lizards plump whose flesh hath flavor rare, 
And birds of plumage strange, the cooks 2:)repare. 

Upon the mner slope, anigh the brow, 
Guacanagari receiveth now 
His honored guests. Columbus, by his side. 
With his offlcuils feast; full swiftly glide 
The hours of morn. When the repast is o'er 
The Spaniards marvel at the wondrous store 
Of viands for their delectation brought; 
All are agreed the banquet wantcth naught, 
Save, perhaps, the amber -tinted Xeres wine. 
And Douro's vintage ruby-hued divine. 
The platters are strong leaves of darkest green, 
Of Nature's giving, bright with glittering sheen. 

Xow the Cazique leadeth adown the hill; 
Thousands of subjects the arena fill; 
At signal given the vast space is clear. 
While dusky crowds line all the hillsides near, 
E'en as the Romans in the davs of old 
Filled amphitheatres. They now behold 



163 



A.V EPIC POEM 

The wide arena ready for the sport. 

The Indian King, surrounded l^y his Court 

And favorite wives, near to Coknnbus now 

Is seated. Round the great Cazique's dark brow 

A golden circlet binds his raven hair. 

Adorned with feathers beautiful and rare; 

He wears a robe of fine gossypium wove, 

Amid whose meshes intricatelv rove 

Rich golden threads inwrought most exquisite; 

His handsome face with gladness is uplit. 

Noble Columbus as Vicero}' is drest 

In glittering armor; on his manlv breast 

The rich insignia of his office gleam. 

They sparkle vividly when smit by beam 

Of tropic sun. His chief officials too 

Are richlv clad in garb of gorgeous hue; 

Velvets of Genoa some proudly wear. 

With silken trimmings; these were stored with care, 

In sea-chests water-tight, until this day. 

When the chief Spaniards don their rich arra}^ 

Hark! now the Indian drum and soundinsr shell 



164 COLUMBUS 

Salute the air, they loud and louder swell; 

See! through }'ond' open space at fai'ther end 

Of the arena bursts a sight. All bend 

Delighted gaze upon the vision there! 

A group of damsels, each of beauty rare, 

Advanceth o'er the smooth enamelled green. 

In rhythmic dance. Never before, I ween. 

Did lovely feet more lightly trip the gi'ass: 

The dusky nymphs now gather in a mass, 

Then sportively disperse on every hand, 

For one brief moment near the ^([<gQ they stand. 

Then, turning with swift grace, in sinuous cur\'e 

They seek the centre, on each side they swerve 

While they retire with graceful speed. They leap 

From side to side, they pirouette, yet keep. 

In measure exquisite, time most correct: 

Thus in the centre swiftly they collect. 

Now^ from the rest springs forth the loveliest 
maid. 
First, to the Court, obeisance low she paid; 
Then, as the shells and drums more brisklv sound 



AJV EPIC POEM 165 

Their hurrying notes, she skims the grassy ground 
With steps involved, yet Hght as Venus' own; 
Now is she here, now yonder hath she flown 
Some hundred paces hence. See! she returns, 
Her ruddy cheek w^ith glad excitement hurus. 
You scarce can follow her swift -moving feet; 
No roe upon the hills, however fleet. 
Could spurn the ground more lightly or more swift; 
Th' admiring thousands loud acclaim uplift. 

List! the hoarse din of beaten drums is heard. 
By blast of war -conch every soul is stirred! 
^Vhile sound the martial strains that rend the air 
Warriors advance; tlieir ranks enclose the fair, 
Who, in an instant, gracefully depart 
And leave the braves to fierce War's mimic art. 
Fullv a thousand form a bristling square, 
The yell and war-whoop ring through startled air; 
With spears and clubs uplifted high o'erhead 
The mass approaches. List! the heavy tread, 
Of twice five hundred feet that stamp the ground 
At the same moment, w^akes a thunderous sound. 



1 66 COLUMBUS 

Thus they advance across the space half - way 
Then instant stop in serried war's array. 
In files compact the tawny heroes stand, 
Then, darting forth, outspread on every hand; 
Some their long spears in threatening tremoi- shake; 
Others, with clubs, swift, wide -spread circles make 
Around their heads, or strike from side to side: 
A well -feigned combat fills th' arena wide. 

Then spake Columbus to the notary near, 
" Would that Alonzo de Ojeda here 
Had been, to see these warriors; this sight 
Would fill his martial bosom with delight. 
When I return from visiting dear wSpain, 
And bring a strong flotilla o'er the main. 
My army shall be led by that same kniglit, 
He who is first in every tourney fight. 
Guacanagari will feel amaze 
When brave Ojeda his swift skill displays." 
Then answered he who had been thus addressed, 
" I well remember him as being the best 
Of all our chivalry. Noble Viceroy 



AJV EPIC POEM 167 

I oft have wondered — for he seems a boy 

In stature, far below myself in size, 

I would not have believed if mine own eyes 

Had not his prowess witnessed o'er and o'er — 

That strength dwelt in his limbs in such rich store! 

I once beheld him, when the Queen was there. 

Walk swiftly on a beam, 'twas high in air 

A hundred feet above each gazer's head ; 

With quick, short steps he to the end did tread. 

Then, at that giddy height, uplifted there 

One of his feet, this swept he through mid air 

As he half turned, then stepped and reached the 

tower: 
What strength and coolness lend Ojeda power! 
'Twas out Seville's Cathedi-al Tower he went: 
But even then courage nor strength were spent; 
He stood, just where the beam sprang fi'om the 

wall — 
Fatal that deed had he but chanced to fall — 
One foot uplifted 'gainst the tower he pressed, 
While all his life did on the other rest; 



1 68 COLUMBUS 

Then upwards, standing thus, he strongly threw 
An orange that ahove the tower - top flew." 

Cohniibus Hstened; when once more he came 
Westward across the deep, the knight of fame 
Outsailed with him and led his martial force; 
Chequered and brilliant was Ojeda's course. 

Meanwhile the warlike sports came to a staiid ; 
The native warriors gone, then was command 
Outspoken by Columbus; from his band 
The archer who was foremost with the bow, 
Unto Guacanagari should show 
His skill to aim. A distant mark w^as traced 
Upon a stem, then was the archer placed 
A hundred paces off. The bow he bent, 
W herefrom the feathered shaft with force was sent 
True to the mark, swift as a flash of light 
The keenest eye could follow not its flight. 

The natives of this part drew not the bow, 
But pointed jaxelins dexterously could throw 



AJV EPIC POEM 169 

Or wield the lance or club with skilful might, 

Yet sped no arrow on aerial flight. 

The Caribs fierce were archers good; these foes 

Of Hayti often brought disastrous woes 

Upon the islanders. 

Then, with cross-bow, 
A Spaniard strong stepped forth his skill to show, 
Within its groove the iron bolt was laid. 
Its crashing thud against the stem dismayed 
The natives near. 

Two Spanish swordsmen then 
Stood face to face, the}- were right goodly men. 
Stalwart and tall, both clad in armor bright; 
Loud was the din when they in friendly fight 
Parried and struck, swiftly each glittering blade 
Flashed throuo^h the air and liohtnin^i: circles made. 

Thick 'as a strong child's arm a ^vooden post 
Was fixed in earth; a Spaniard, who could boast 
Of skill and strength, advanced in the full sight 
Of all the thousands, balancing aright 
His keen Toledo blade, he firmly stood 



lyo COLUMBUS 

With feet wide - parted, tlie dissevered wood 

By dexterous blow was cleanly cut in twain ; 

Then, with swift downward stroke, he smote amain 

The lower portion that erect was left. 

Deep as from crown to chine the wood he cleft. 

By this the sun hath reached his noonday 
height. 
Now doth Columbus the Cazique invite 
Unto the fort. Three hours ere sun shall set 
He bade the natives on the shore be met. 
When half his sinking curve the sun hath traced. 
Thousands of warriors on the beach are placed 
In ordered files. 

An arquebusier now 
Fixeth his rest, a distant rock's tall brow 
The mark he aimeth at; the blazing flash 
Is followed instant by the rattling crash 
Upon the cliff, he strikes the spot required, 
The natives, terrified, his skill admired. 

Santa Maria's wreck lies in the bay, 
Two furlongs from the fortress walls away. 



AN EPIC POEM 171 

Through its strong timbers cannon - balls are sent 
Its shattered hull from brow to stern is rent. 



A rugged crag, hanging above the beach, 
Lies near the fort within the cannons' reach; 
Huge trees grow thickly on its lofty crest. 
That from the fortress lieth toward the west: 
Now all spectators far away must stand. 
Both in the woods and on the pebbly strand. 
A Lombard vomits forth its fiery breath 
With thunderous roar, the messengers of death 
Crash down the trees; the dreadful havoc made 
The cannon's potency full well displaved. 
The frightened Haytians, terror in their eyes 
Who deem the Spaniards natives of the skies, 
As thunderbolts regard the missiles sent 
By heaven's fire. Yet are they ^vell content 
For the celestial arms are used by those 
Who will destro}^ their hated Carib foes. 

The natives now disperse ; those in the Court 
Of the Cazique enter the Spanish fort, 



1^2 COLUMBUS 

Where they and their loved king are entertained 

At festive board. vSoon as the sun hath o-ained 

His western goal Guacanagari 

Renews, of his own will and fervently, 

The solemn promises of friendly aid 

Unto the gai-rison aforetime made. 

Then the Cazique doth from the hero part. 

For ere next dawn the caravel must start. 

Columbus calls the garrison to make 
His farewell orders known, when thus he spake. 
" The Niiia ere shall blush the morrow's morn 
Will weigh her anchors. Are ye left forlorn? 
No! brave Guacanagari is friend, 
And will to all his potent help extend. 
Diego de Arana is your chief. 
In his trustworthiness my full belief 
Is firmlv fixed. Then, if on luckless day 
He should decease, ye must as chief obey 
Gutierrez. vShouId his death bring ye woe 
Then his successor is Escobedo. 

At parting let me solemnly adjure 



AA^ EPIC POEM 1^3 

You all, that ye be continent and pure; 

Take no advantage of your martial micrht, 

Keep your responsibilities in sight, 

Act with all honor, ever do the right. 

To the Cazique, mv fully - trusted friend, 

vStrict faithfulness in every deed extend. 

Good store of weapons fills your magazine, 

With ammunition plentiful I ween 

Be true among yourselves, do not disperse, 

For want of union will bring a curse 

Upon the garrison. Fully explore — 

In guarded bands — the hills, the woods, the shore. 

Pearls may be found; spices, and mines of gold 

Your careful search may gloriously unfold. 

A sacred trust in all I herein place, 

O let no turpitude bring us disgrace! 

Ye are the sons of proud and Christian vSpain 

Let not a blot besmirch her flag with stain; 

Full soon will I return with added powers. 

My heart impatiently will count the hours 

Until La Navidad I see again. 

May Heaven protect ye while I cross the main!" 



BOOK X. 

ARGUMENT. 

The Nina sets forth for Spain and is rejoined by the Pinta. Gold found in 
the Rio del Oro. Conflict with the Ciguayans. Mayobanex sends the 
Wampum belt. He describes Cibao as rich in gold. The West Indies 
left. Fierce storms part the two ships. Lots are cast. The hero com- 
mits a record of his discovery to the waves. Renewed and terrible 
storms. The Azores reached. 

At earlv morn Guacanagari 

Beholds the Niiia put again to sea, 

Lons: ere the dawn she from her mooring swings 

While cheeringly across the bay outrings 

The seamen's chant, while they the anchors weigh, 

Impatient ail to steer their homeward way. 

No longer now^ o'er placid, sunny seas 

Shall Niiia float, impelled by gentle breeze; 

Soon shall Columbus find unbroken peace 

Within the Gulf of Arrow^s sadly cease. 

The wanderers long have roved from isle to isle. 

Where bounteous Nature ever wears a smile. 

But they full soon amid the tempest's foam 

174 



A.V EPIC POEM 172 

Shall tedious toil to reach their longed - for home. 

Some respite short they for a while shall know, 

Yet waves of sorrow soon around shall flow, 

Baleful calamities shall cross their path 

While storm on storm expends its furious wrath. 

And they, who erstwhile ease and comfort shared, 

vShall dread what their temerity hath dared, 

For, while recrossing the Atlantic main. 

Their days and nights shall pass in w^earying strain; 

Tempests, ere long, shall frequently outburst. 

Each one, when raging, evermore seem worst. 

Thus, ere the purpling east the dawn pro- 
claimed. 
And o'er the deep the sun new - risen flamed. 
They weighed the anchors, stretched each ample sail. 
Waiting and wishing for the favoring gale; 
But, e'en no land breeze coming on to blow, 
Perforce thev must the Niiia then out - tow. 
The great Cazique stood on the shore in view, 
Unto Columbus wavin^ sad adieu. 



176 COLUMBUS 

Light winds for two days weak and fitful 
blew, 
The Nina, drifting, slowly eastward drew 
Towards Monte Cristo, a tall headland near, 
One side towered loft}- from the ocean sheer. 
A breeze from landward freshened the third day. 
Then for ten leagues the Nina made swift ^^■ay; 
She, ere the noon, weathered the headland round. 
Right merrily she sailed, being homeward bound. 
Then swelled, full - bosomed, each late flapping sail. 
Swift sped the ship before the strengthening gale. 
Her keen prow clave the crystal, wind - kissed deep. 
As she right gallantly her course did keep. 
But on that afternoon the fickle wind 
Backed eastwardly, proving again unkind. 
A sailor on the outlook loudly cried 
That far ahead the Pinta he descried; 
On her majestic course before the breeze. 
She swept towards them o'er the furrowed seas. 
The Niiia turned her prow, the cape repassed, 
Then in the sheltered bay her anchors cast 



AN EPIC POEM 177 

To leeward of that rounded headland high; 
The Pinta to the Nina anchored nigh. 

Whereon Martin Alonzo Pinzon came 
On board the Nina. Boldly held he claim 
'Twas not his fault the parting had been made, 
Upon the wind the blame he solely laid. 
" For all this time," the Pinta's captain said, 
" Throughout each day lookout we kept ahead. 
In hopes to see your vessels on the deep. 
But all in vain our eyes, with constant sweep, 
vScanned the horizon round; naught heaved in sight. 
Until this day we saw you with delight." 
Columbus him incredulously heard. 
Yet of suspicion breathed he ne'er a word. 
" Thou knowest Pinzon, my good ship is lost. 
She went not down in raging tempest tossed; 
At dead of night, when perfect calm j:)revailed, 
Through negligence her safety was assailed. 
Of that mishap some other time PU tell; 
Yet therewithal good hap to me befell, 
I learned the value of a friend sincere. 



1 78 



COLUMBUS 



Whose firm fidclit}^ shone bright and clear. 

We from our stay enforced now surely know 

The richness of the mines of Cibao. 

Bereft of thee I felt full desolate, 

Roaming the sea in sad and lonely state." 

Columbus knew right well 'twould be unwise 

To quarrel then with Pinzon, but disguise, 

As best he could his anger and distrust, 

By force of circumstance he deemed he must 

In patient silence the defection bear. 

Nor manifest his heart was filled with care. 

Three days at anchorage they yet remained. 
Here indications they of wealth obtained: 
A mighty river, Yaqui, in this bay. 
Amid its sands, before they sailed away 
Gave evidence of gold. Their water store 
Was here replenished ; on their casks the ore 
In glistening particles with joy they found. 
And saw it sparkling in the sand abound. 

The three days o'er 'neath Monte Cristo's 
shade. 



AJV EPIC POEM 179 

The Niiia and the Pinta seaward made 
Once more. They reached upon the following day, 
The shore where Pinzon had prolonged his stay. 
Columbus heard complaints from natives here 
That, on the Pinta, six companions dear 
Were held in dui-ance, to be sold as slaves. 
Stern ano^er fills his breast, the hero braves 
The storm of opposition Pinzon raised 
While bold Columbus that base deed dispraised. 
The nati\'es were to liberty restored, 
With presents laden such as might afford 
Some recompense atoning for their wrong: 
Their friends received them back with dance and 
song. 

Once more the vessels ploughed the watery 
way , 
For \vestern winds blew strong at break of day, 
vSwiftly they sped toward the Cape Cabron — 
The Lovers' Cape. Beyond it they sailed on. 
Entered full soon a gulf, o'er three leagues wide. 
So deep it pierced the land no eye descried 



I So COLUMBUS 

The further end. They landed on the shore, 

This region new desiring to explore: 

Soon they perceived that here a warlike race 

Of people dwelt, each of the men his face. 

With hideous paint full thickly covered o'er; 

Each native warrior on his shoulders bore 

A bow that was at least a clothyard long; 

Fierce were these Indians, agile, martial, strong. 

They were indeed the Haytians of Ciguay, 

O'er whom Cazique Mavobanex held sway. 

Mayobanex the valorous, the brave. 

Who afterwards, courageously to save. 

His people from the Spaniards' fiery greed 

In fight on fight wrought many a gallant deed. 

At first these warriors welcomed them to land 

Bartered two bows, and pacing their free strand 

Held pleasant and most peaceful intercourse. 

Nor seemed they then disposed for warlike force. 

One of their chieftains ventured on the bark; 

His form was lofty, his long tresses dark 

Were bound and most elaborately drest 

With gaudy plumes that formed the warrior's crest. 



AAT EPIC POEM iSi 

He boldly glanced with dauntless eyes around; 
This independent fearless bearing found 
Deep admiration 'mong the Spaniards proud, 
Who to each other spake his praise aloud. 
With long keen arrows filled a quiver hung 
Adown his back, while o'er his shoulders slung 
Gleamed a thick lancewood bow — polished and 

bright — 
To bend that bow required an arm of might. 
Belted he wore a sword of hardest wood, 
That in fierce fray would prove a weapon good; 
In his left hand three javelins lie bore: 
So was equipped each warrior of that sliore. 

Then to his warrior -guest Columbus spake, 
" We now from these fair shores must swiftly make 
Our homeward way; from thee I long to learn 
Of thy Cazique ere I to Spain return. 
Thy fellow-countrymen to me appear 
A martial race, devoid of touch of fear; 
Are ye the Caribs whose bold deeds are told 
In isles more western? Here we first behold 



1 83 COLUMBUS 

A race of archers armed with trusty bow, 
While javelins keen ye skilfully can throw." 

Then thus the savage, " Noble chief, attend. 
Unto my words the fullest credence lend! 
We are not Caribs! They are our chief foes. 
To us the source of most distressful woes. 
These Cannibals too oft assail our land. 
With shafts and javelins we can scarce withstand 
Their oft -invading hordes. From the southeast 
The Caribs come, they in their horrid feast 
Devour the captives whom in war they seize. 
Eternal war Mayobanex decrees 
Aerainst that hated race. Mayobanex — 
Whose fiery courage ne'er of danger recks — 
Is the Cazique of mountainous Ciguay, 
Five score of thousand warriors own his sway. 
Beyond that furthest ridge lies Cibao, 
Whose streams o'er sands sparkling with gold onflow; 
Would ye could tarry and, with your own eyes. 
Behold the mines to waken your surprise!" 



AN EPIC POEM 183 

Columbus then, to the officials high, 
And to his officers who stood hard by; 
ul fain would stay to visit Cibao; 
We have decided hence to promptly go 
Eastward once more to cross the pathless main, 
Whose billows roll 'twixt here and longed-for Spain. 
The equinoctial gales, if we delay, 
With boisterous force will vex our lengthened way 
E'en at the best dangers await our path. 
But if we tarry till the blustering wrath 
Of winds that herald spring, our course assail. 
Our waveworn ships will scarce outlive the gale. 
It is imperative at once we go. 
Delay would bring us most disastrous woe!" 

Then turning to the warrior - guest he thus, 
uWhat thou hast told is welcome news to us. 
Thy news reliable of Cibao; 
Alas! from hence we speedily must go: 
Tell thy Cazique we hold him as a friend- 
To give this message I on thee depend." 



184 COLUMBUS 

The boat that bare the guest to Hayti's strand 
Shot from the caravel, right stoutly manned; 
Columbus watched her and beheld a sight 
That grieved him sore. Upon the coast a fight 
Outbrake, whereon the boat at once returned: 
Then from her leader he the details learned, 
Who told him thus. 

" As we drew nigh the shore, 
The woods did we with scrutiny explore. 
When near the beach, hiding in covert deep 
Some Indians armed we stealthily saw creep 
Among the brushwood. Then our warrior -guest 
His countrymen in rapid speech addressed, 
W^hereon they laid their martial weapons by, 
Some distance from the strand. Then drawing nigh 
We bought two bows; all seemed on peace intent 
But — all at once — as if on warfare bent. 
They darted swiftly to the wood and seized 
Their weapons, and their javelins cast. Displeased, 
We know not why, they thus assailed my crew. 
All signs of amity aside they threw. 
With confidence our men at once were fired 



A AT EPIC POEM 185 

And promptly fought, whereon our foes retired 

At our first charge; they sought the mazy wood, 

Two of them wounded. In the boat we stood 

Away from hind, more warfare to avoid. 

Never before. Sire, have we been annoyed 

By armed opposition in these seas. 

The savage host rushed from among the trees 

As we drew from the land, with war-whoop's 3'ell 

They filled the air, like fiends let loose from hell; 

Some dashed into the waves, brandished their spears 

Or javelins cast, but never woke our fears; 

A shower of arrows from the beach was rained. 

But safely have we all the ship regained." 

Next day Mayobanex, the chief Cazique, 
From far inland had come, anxious to seek 
For intercourse with those who to his land 
Had lately come. Around him, on the strand, 
Were thousands of his subjects of Ciguay. 
A boat, with men well armed, now made its way 
From Nina's side. This morn the natives felt 
No enmity ; the sacred Wampum Belt, 



iS6 COLUMBUS 

The solemn pledge of friendship and of peace, 

Mayobanex had sent. Let warfare cease — 

The Indians on board explained — thns said 

The belt; let peace retnrn, hatred is dead. 

Maj^obanex came as the hero's guest 

Upon the Nifia's deck. Columbus, richly drest. 

In dazzling coat of mail and crimson cloak, 

Through his interpreter for long time spoke 

With the Cazique. He showed the weapons stored 

In magazines, the instruments on board, 

And all the wonders of the caravel 

Unto Mayobanex. Then bade him tell 

His people, who were gathered on the strand. 

To leave a wide clear space. On either hand 

They stood in thousands on the wooded shore. 

Sudden they heard the cannons' deafening roar, 

They saw the missiles smash their hugest trees; 

Some fled with terror, others on their knees 

Fell in astonishment, fulfilled with fright 

When they beheld the guns' destructive might. 

Then the Cazique Ma3^obanex outspake 



A.V EPIC POEM 187 

Unto his chiefs, " What marvels now awake 

Our wonder! I, and you with me, behold 

What we had ne'er believed had any told. 

The fire celestial these gods control. 

While rattling thunder through the air doth roll; 

The bolts of heaven crash their resistless way 

Through massive trees, and to our sight disj^lay 

The force terrific which, as gods, they wield; 

Before such might all mortal strength must yield. 

Then, what astounding gifts! rich jewxls rare. 

That scatter music through the charmed air. 

Our visitors celestial bestow 

With lavish hand. Still doth our wonder grow, 

For rounded emeralds on strings flash out 

Their vivid brilliance. How can we doubt 

These bells and beads — so the divine ones name 

The ofifts mao^nificent — from heaven came 

With their blest donors? Happy we who now 

Before our skv-born visitors may bow! 

Could our forefathers, in the years bygone. 

Have dreamed that such a splendor could have shone, 

In later days, on this our favored land, 



,88 COLUMBUS 

That beings from Heaven should visit Hayti's strand, 
They would have longed to live in these our days 
To view these glories that entrance our gaze!" 

Then turning to Columbus thus he said, 
While reverently he bowed his plumed head; 
"Oh, thou chief one! who seemeth as a god. 
Whose steps majestic on my strand have trod, 
Who glanceth with benignity around. 
Whose words have grandeur in their lightest sound; 
To thee we turn! We humbly pray that thou 
Wilt us protect! We here in reverence bow! 
To us, who never heretofore could see 
Such wondrous beings, ye from henceforth shall be 
Our guardians blest! Our country Oh! befriend, 
And from all dangers evermore defend!" 

Columbus then, " Mayobanex! Cazique! 
From far-off realms came I these land to seek; 
Happy am I in visiting this isle 
Of Hayti, where I fain a longer while 
Would tarry, but I may not now delay, 



AN EPIC POEM 

We must at once proceed on homeward way, 

For we indeed are lonofino- to retrain 

The land we left, the glorious land of Spain. 

Of thee and thy brave nation will I tell 

The monarchs of Iberia: full well 

May I report thy chi\-alry, the might 

Of all thy warrior nation I'll recite 

In royal ears. Thy magnanimity, 

That after battle no antipathy 

Would bear, shall to the Spanish Court be told 

\Vhen I the story of my quest unfold." 

Replied Mayobanex, " Ere forth ye set 
A messenger shall bring my coronet 
Of ^'irgin gold; that gift shall in thine eyes 
Show clearlv how, what I most dearly prize, 
I offer as a proof of fealtv, 
Of loving friendship and of loyalty. 
I would that time permitted 3'ou to come 
O'er yonder mountains to ni}- palace home, 
But since ye must depart at once from hence, 
I pray the gift may count as evidence 



189 



IQO COLUMBUS 

Of my great wish to pay all honor due 
Unto Iberia's sovereigns, and to you." 

Could then Columbus prescient have been 
Of coming days, his startled eyes had seen 
This fearless monarch of a warlike race. 
After some years, holding a foremost place 
Among the foes of Spain. ^V^ith spirit high 
To Don Bartholomew he made reply, 
When that brave Adelantado had sent 
A message further bloodshed to prevent. 
The Don, brother unto Columbus he, 
Renowned for courage and sagacity. 
Sought a Cazique who had for refuge fled 
Unto Mayobanex. He dauntless said, 
In his reply, " The man who sent you tell 
That I will orviard the refua;ee full well. 
Ye Spaniards cruel are unto our race, 
Our grievous wrongs no time can e'er efface; 
Ye do usurp the territories wide 
Of me and mine, through seas of blood ye ride. 
Guarionex trusts me as his friend. 



AJV EPIC POEM ic)i 

He is my guest and to misfortune's end 

Will I protect him; this my vow ye've heard; 

I am his refuge! I will keep my word!" 

That vow he kept, for months he sternly 
fought, 
And when Mayobanex by guile was caught 
He, even then, bravely refused to bend. 
Or tell his captors where lay hid his friend. 

The first month of the year, when halfway 

o'er, 
vSaw the two ships from anchorage unmoor. 
They left the Gulf of Arrows with delight. 
The ill-starred scene of this their only fight. 
A southwest breeze arched wide each full - spread sail. 
Homeward Columbus steered before the gale: 
Northward and eastward swift the barks onflew, 
Ere long the}^ came where Trade -Winds 'gainst 

them blew ; 
Then far more slowh' could they make headway, 
While constant tacking wearied them each day. 



192 COLUMBUS 

When now a month was fled tempests arose; 
As one wild day drew onwards to its close, 
A thunderstorm outburst with sudden force, 
While boisterous gusts drave both ships from their 

course. 
Through all next day the deckless ships were tossed 
Amid the storm -foam, hope w^ts well-nigh lost; 
They parted company as gloomy night 
Hid the brave Pinta from the hero's sight; 
Under bare poles their staggering path they kept. 
While o'er huge weaves tempestuous blasts onswept, 
The blustering winds, that miserable night. 
Around them rasfed with neverceasin"' miirht. 
Throuo-h night's black hours, tossed on the foaming 

seas. 
The Nina drave before the onrushing breeze. 
The frothing furrows of the ans^ry main 
Dashed foaming billows every jolank to strain. 
And threatened to engulph 'neath angry waves 
The luckless bark that their wild fury braves. 
Black as the mouth of hell w^as ebon night, 
Nor moon, nor stars, gave aught of faintest light; 



A AT EPIC POEM 193 

While ever and anon the levin flashed, 
With deafening din the rattling thunder crashed 
In peal on peal through the black realms of air: 
Filled was the hero's breast w^ith anxious care. 
Torrents of rain in ceaseless deluge poured 
Through inky night; the storm onrushing roared 
As if ten thousand fiends from Pluto's realm, 
With yells of rage were struggling to o'erwhelm 
The threatened bark. The hurrying blast shrill 

screamed 
Through riven rigging; when the lightning gleamed 
The tattered shrouds were seen outstretched in air. 
As if impassioned furies, shrieking there, 
Were dragging at the shreds of each torn sail: 
Fancy could picture them, their faces pale 
As ashes with their wild demoniac rage. 
While thus the elements discordant wage 
Uproarious war, no shout of man could rise 
Above the din that filled the sable skies. 

What turmoil of foreboding fears oppressed 
The hero then! Within his troubled breast 



IC 



94 



COLUMBUS 



Was dread alarm: the Pinta miglit be lost! 
Would that wild deep by him be safely crossed? 
If both the vessels foundered on the way 
Then his discovery would be lost! Dismay 
Seized on his soul at this appalling thought, 
The ruthless rao-lno' storms misfht brins; to nausfht 
The toil of all his heart - wrung, weary years; 
When, having won the goal, success appears. 
And he is homeward bound with gladsome news, 
Outrageous Fortune with her frowns pursues 
The two frail vessels tossing on the deep. 
And threatens to oblivion all to sweep. 

When gruesome night was o'er, no colors gay 
Betokened the approach of longed - for da v. 
For some brief time the floods of rain had ceased, 
And, as the feeblv - coming light increased, 
A dull and ashen gray o'erspread the sky, 
Across wdiose leaden face the storm - clouds fly 
Before the cruel blast. Far as the bound 
Of dim horizon there was spread around 



AN EPIC POEM 195 

A world of surging, ever - heaving waves 

That seemed to threaten all with instant graves. 



As day wore on the tempest somew^iat lulled; 
Bv halliards then a tattered sail was pulled 
Scarce halfway up the mast — no more they dare — 
And even this required their utmost care; 
Each sailor took the post to him assigned, 
Made taut his rope, and so they luffed to wind. 
With wan and haggard face Columbus threw 
An anxious glance around. He longed to view 
The Pinta once again, and scanned the verge 
Of the wide - circling deep; the angry surge 
Of rolling billows only met his eye, 
No speck, no sign of her, could he descry. 
While blustering winds with stubborn, boisterous 

force 
Raged fiercely round the Niiia's luckless course. 

"Alone!" came from his pallid lips, " Alone! " 
With sigh so deep 'twas e'en an anguished moan, 



196 



COL UMB US 



"But yet not all alone! I feel that He, 

Who hitherto hath led me o'er the sea, 

Is with me here in my extremest need. 

In Providence I trust! I will not heed 

The tossing waters nor the raging wind 

In Faith my anchorage secure I find! 

I yet have work to do, all is not done 

Until the longed - for shore of Spain be won. 

My God hath chosen me as instrument 

For this great work, I feel that He hath meant 

That to the world I shall reveal that land 

He led me to! Protected by His hand 

I safely crossed this ocean's pathless deep. 

He, to tlie end, will me in safety keep. 

E'en as Saint Peter, sinking in the wave, 

Stretched forth his hand the Savior's help to crave, 

So even now I lift my heart to Him 

With pleading gaze, while tears mine eyes bedim." 

Then in that mystery, when mortals dare 
To supplicate the Deity in prayer. 
He lifted up his soul and, fervently. 



AN EPIC POEM 197 

Besought bis Maker's mercy earnestly. 

" Vouchsafe, Oh Father, Thy blest aid divine 

To bear me safely o'er the ocean brine! 

Firm -rooted is my faith, not substanceless. 

That Thou wilt deign my homeward path to bless! " 

Then with more cheerful glance he looked 
around, 
Scanning the ocean to the utmost bound. 
His wearied mariners he then addressed, 
" Since first we sailed the wild Atlantic's breast 
On our adventurous voyage, such a night 
As that just o'er — when raged the stormy might 
Of fiercest tempest — we have never known: 
Through storm on storm the wind hath wilder grown. 
Think of the starless nights and sunless days; 
We know not whether now the Pinta strays 
Over the foam - clad bosom of the deep. 
Across whose surging breast huge billows sweep. 
Or whether she, a luckless caravel. 
Hath foundered 'neath the wild tumultuous swell 
Of this wild waste of waters! Yet with hope 



198 



COLUMBUS 



We onward sail, with dangers grim to cope. 

Good Catholics ye! Your hearts devout will own 

That our distress unto the Saints is known; 

Invoking their blest aid some solemn vow 

To Heaven should rise. I here propose that now 

We lots do cast; with cross I mark one bean; 

Within a cap, where they may not be seen, 

A number equal unto us be thrown. 

Who draws the cross as chosen one is known: 

He shall perform a sacred pilgrimage 

To Mary's shrine, she saved us from the rage 

Of last night's tempest!" Then, right speedily. 

The cap was shaken and, all secretly, 

Each one in turn must draw a single bean. 

E'en at the first the lot assigned was -seen; 

Columbus drew the cross, a pilgrim he 

Thenceforth confessed himself as bound to be. 

More vows and penances, in woeful state. 

They made in hopes to so propitiate 

The wrath of Heaven, that they once more might 

stand 
Upon the shores of then* beloved land. 



AN EPIC POEM ic)9 

But when the noon was come still fiercer blew 
The angry winds, the gusts with strength anew 
Raged o'er the waters of the troubled main, 
It seemed as if their prayers and vows were vain. 
Roused by the blast the billows foamed around 
The wayworn bark, no glimpse of hope was found; 
The furious ocean rushed with onward sweep. 
Huge liquid mountains rose upon the deep; 
The rain descended with tremendous might. 
Black was the day, even as if the night 
Resumed her reign while yet the sun rode high, 
Dense clouds involved the realms of sea and sky. 

Columbus had, unknown to all his men. 
Written on parchment, with his facde pen, 
A full account of what his c[uest had found. 
This he rolled up, then coated it all round 
With wax the searching waters to repel. 
The superscription would the finder tell 
To whom he must give up the parchment rolled. 
And so receive a rich reward in gold. 
This, placed within a cask, he then consigned 



200 COLUMBUS 

Unto the deep. To ease each sailor's mind 
He thus outspake, '• This act, that I do now, 
Is the fiilfihnent of a sacred vow." 
Another cask, with contents Hke the first, 
He placed upon the prow, that if the worst 
Should happen, if his crew and he were drowned. 
One of the casks would anywise be found. 
And so the outcome of his toils be known. 
His great success unto the world be shown. 
Soon as the first was cast into the deep. 
By strange coincidence the waves to sleep 
Were lulled, the seamen at the sight amazed 
With wonderment upon Columbus gazed. 

He stood anigh the prow, and, lo! the West 
Was clearing fast. The sinking sun was drest 
In fiery hue, his orb with vermeil glared; 
The mariners no longer now despaired. 
They deemed the act bv their commander done 
The favor of the Deity had won. 
Yet, since at times the wind in gusts onsped 
Throughout this night but shortened sail was spread, 



AN EPIC POEM 20 1 

The surging ocean yet refused to sleep, 
Huge heaving billows rolled along the deep 
Alternately the ship topped some high crest, 
Then sank engulphed in trough profound depressed. 
Rising and jDlunging 'mid tempestuous waves 
Whose furrows vast yawned like devouring graves. 
When from their sight had sunk the glorious sun, 
Then the half moon her highest port had won, 
And shedding from midheaven her pearly light 
Illumined space with beams as silver white. 
Through the past nights, while raged the storms, 

ne'er closed 
The Admiral his eyes: now^ he reposed 
In balmy slumber steeped. The dashing spray 
Had soaked his clothing, yet, both night and day 
Throughout the storms no time for change he found 
But now dry garments wrapped his frame around. 

When morning dawned, before the sun he rose, 
Clear was the sky, the storm with all its woes 
Was overblown. As strono;er grrew the licfht 
He heard a shout that filled him with delisrht: 



202 COLUMBUS 

A seaman, Rui Garcia by name, 

He heard from the maintop) with joy proclaim 

That land ahead, from his high post, he viewed; 

Then gladness was in every heart renewed. 

Welcome was this as that discovery made 

By Triana, when erstwhile was displayed 

Guanahani to their longing eyes. 

Their second goal, the Old World, cheering lies 

In sight of them! Poor, wandering, weary souls. 

Although the afterswell around ye rolls, 

Your hearts are throbbinsf hisfh with thoughts of 

home. 
That haven blest, where those who widely roam 
Find rest from toiling, and amid repose 
Forget their heart -aches and their long -borne woes. 

While nearing land the fickle wind now backed, 
Turningr a^ain to east, the Nina tacked 
Through all this dav and its on-following night. 
Next morning showed the land in distant sight. 
Laboriously and slowdy through next day, 
By skilful navigation, on her way 



AiV EPIC POEM 203 

The Niiia drew towards the land. At last, 

At eventide, her anchors were outcast. 

No mainland here they found, but the Azores, 

Alas! how distant from Hispania's shores. 

My song refuseth here to longer dwell. 

Nor will of cruel perfidy here tell; 

How the base Governor seized on half the crew. 

What wrongs and woes Columbus bare anew. 

Soon, with his men restored, the hero sailed. 

To be once more by raging storms assailed. 



BOOK XI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Captains Pedro and Enriqud sight the Nina. She makes for Rastello. 
Columbus finds a former friend. He sends a courier to Spain. Colum- 
bus at Valparaiso before King John of Portugal. Palos reached. 
Pinzon arrives the same day. Garcia, the Prior, and Columbus at La 
Rabida. Pinzon dies of grief and shame. Columbus's tribute to the 
memory of Pinzon. 

Where the majestic Tagus swells the deep, 

Nigh to his northern shore, uprising steep 

The Rock of Cintra stands. The surg-ing- wave 

Around its adamantine base doth ever rave, 

Atlantic billows dash with fury vain 

Against the rock that fronts the western main. 

Upon this coast Rastello's haven lies; 

Rastello, oft how welcome to the eyes 

Of wave -tost mariners! On the fourth day 

Of this wild March two captains wend their way 

From old Rastello unto Cintra's brow. 

Pedro and Enrique, companions now. 

Have weathered manv a time the cruel storm: 



AN EPIC POEM 205 

But now no longer, vigorous and warm, 

The blood of youth or prime courses their veins; 

Their age finds rest. Ample, well -gotten gains, 

Enable them to pass the eve of life 

Free from all toil, exempt from wearying strife. 

" I tell thee, Pedro," so Enrique said. 
And, as he spake, his wrinkled hands he spread 
With gesture most emphatic, " I ne'er knew 
A winter wild as this! I can review 
Full half a century of life at sea. 
But storms prolonged like these are new to me. 
Bethink thee, Pedro, they have ceaseless raged 
Well - nigh two months. When we were both en- 

ofaofed, 
In our two ships, sailing from Lisbon Port 
To far Azores, how oft! could we report 
That storm on storm, like these, our path assailed!" 

Pedro then answered, "No! there hath not 
sailed. 
For many a week, a single ship from here; 



2o6 COLUMBUS 

View thou the deep, its wide expanse is clear 
Of any craft! But, stop! Look yonder friend!" 
The captains both astonished gaze now bend 
Upon a ship that drives before the wind, 
In piteous pHght she seeks some port to '^wOi. 
From the fierce blasts now sweeping ocean's breast. 
By this the friends survey her from the crest 
Of Cintra's Rock: struck with amaze they stand. 

"Enrique, she will never make the land! 
What is she thinkest thou? Some Spanish craft, 
Note how she's built with lofty poop abaft! 
Whate'er she be 'tis marvellous I trow 
That through such tempest she could live till now! 
Thus, to his friend Enrique, Pedro spake, 
"I do believe she will Rastello make! 
Let us, Enrique, to our port descend. 
And see our townsmen all due succor lend 
To those poor fellows, whosoe'er they be. 
Now battling with the wildly raging sea!" 

Whereat adown the path thev both now wend 
Their quickened steps, and to the shore descend, 



AA' EPIC POEM 207 

The storm -tost mariners to swift befriend. 

Ere thev had reached Rastello pleased they saw 

The hiboring ship towards the harbor draw. 

" No prentice hand commands that ship I trow," 

Then Pedro said, "Some veteran I vow! 

See, there he stands with snow-white flowing hair! 

Who can he be that at such age could dare 

Amid these tempests boldly to outsail?" 

"Alas!" Enrique said, " Mhie eyes do fail, 
At this great distance to discern the man. 
From thy description yet methinks 1 can 
Hazard a guess. Columbus here returns! 
To greet that friend my ardent spirit yearns! 
Now tell me, Pedro, for thine eyes are good, 
Thou saidst, just now, the brave commander stood, 
What is his stature? Standeth he full tall?" 

"His frame is noble, towering over all!" 
Pedro replied. 

" It is ! it is my friend ! " 
Enrique then exclaimed. The Captains send 



2oS COLUMBUS 

Two well - manned boats to help the ship, now near, 
With timely aid her worn - out crew to cheer. 
They tow her speedily; all danger past, 
Anigh the shore strong anchors moor her fast. 

Another boat the Captains now demand, 
And, since the ship lies near, they leave the land. 
Command the oarsmen swiftly to ontrow 
And bring their craft beneath the Niiia's bow. 
"Ahoy!" Enrique shouts, "Your captain tell, 
A friend is here who knows Columbus well!" 
Meanwhile the hero had assumed a dress 
That could, more fitly, his high rank express; 
He heard, as forth he came, Enrique's voice 
Whose gladsome accents made his heart rejoice. 
Forward he stepped, looked o'er the Niiia's bow. 
But from the lapse of time he failed to know 
The bailer j^et, and asked, "Who called my name?" 
Enrique cried " Long years have fled, no blame 
Worthy Columbus can I give to thee, 
I am Enrique! dost remember me? 
Often at Lisbon in the davs of vore 



AN EPIC POEM 209 

We Perestrello's charts have stiuhed o'er! 
Here at Rastello's Port I now do dwell." 
"Enrique! Friend! I thee remember well!" 
Columbus answered, " And the cheering sound 
Of thy dear voice makes gladness more abound," 

Pedro and Enrique both step aboard 
The Nina, she is now securely moored. 
Columbus and Enrique then embrace. 
While joy intense ujolights each noble face. 
"Whence comest thou Columbus dearest friend? 
Who could have thought that Heaven its grace would 

lend 
That thou shouldst reach in safety this blest shore. 
Amid these tempests' eversounding loar! 
Come thou ashore with me, enter my home, 
Find some respite, forget the billows' foam!" 

All needful dispositions then were made, 
Wherein Columbus generously displayed 
Due thoughtfulness and care for all his men. 
Who suffered most from long privations then 



2IO COLUMBUS 

Were sent ashore, 'mid kiiull}' folk to rest, 
With change of diet hailed by them with zest. 
The notary and court - officials too 
Were not forgotten; he, with some ado, 
vSaw each received as honorable guest 
Among Rastello's families the best. 
His ablest men upon the Niiia stayed. 
To guard her safely while in port she laid. 

A courier unto the Court of Spain 
He then despatched, to tell that he again 
Europe had reached. Writing of his success 
He told how Heaven had deigned his toil to bless, 
How that he purposed swiftly to report, 
In person, fullest details to the Court. 
The Journal of the Voyage, with strict care 
Enjoined, the courier to the Sovereigns bare. 

These duties done he with Enrique went, 
A gladsome eventide the Captains spent; 
Pedro and Enrique astonished heard 
The wondrous tale, and hung on every word. 



AN EPIC POEM 211 

The stormy weather with next morning ceased, 
From Lishon Port the number swift increased 
Of boats and barges on the Tagiis wide, 
That came and went with every changing tide; 
Rumor quick spread each marvellous report. 
A letter came from Lusitania's Court; 
Don Martin de Noroiia had been sent 
From Valparaiso, for King John was bent 
On learning from Columbus how he fared. 
Since he the Ocean's Mystery had dared. 
The royal missive generously told 
That no assistance would the King withhold, 
But grant supplies of all the ships might need. 
Columbus, with misgivings, then agreed 
To visit Valparaiso, where the Court 
Was staying then, and of his quest report. 

Nine leagues from Lisbon Valparaiso lay, 
At Sacamben he slept upon the way. 
Then onward pressed 'mid deluges of rain 
Through all next day. Ere night came down again 



212 COLUMBUS 

A cavalcade of knights, outside the town, 
Met to escort the hero of renown. 

In Valparaiso, when the Court was met 
To hear Columbus, he was proudly set 
Upon Viceregal throne, an honor great 
To grant by Lusia's jDroud punctilious state; 
The King and his amazed courtiers heard 
The long recountal, marking every word. 
His Majesty seemed jDleased, but in his heart 
The wondrous news inflicted cruel smart; 
For he remembered once had he the chance 
This quest of the narrator's to advance. 

Three days Columbus at the Court remained; 

On his return he Villa Franca gained. 

There must he stay and to the Queen relate 

The tale afresh. Her Majesty in state. 

With all her ladies, formed an audience 

That listened unto him with reverence 

And interest deep. In Saint Antonio's 

The Queen then dwelt, there heard of all his woes 



AiY EPIC POEM 213 

And his success. A courier from her King 
O'ertook him here, to offer everything 
To further him to reach the Spanish Court 
By land. He chose to seek Rastello Port. 

Nine days from setting foot upon the hind 
He gladly sailed from Lusitania's strand; 
In two days more he passed o'er Salte's Bar, 
From glorious quest and golden goal afar. 
Outpealed the hells, soon as the news was known 
Palos into excitement wild was thrown. 
Upon the banks of Odiel a crowd 
Greeted the ship with acclamations loud. 
A long procession to Saint George's Church 
Went to give thanks for the successful search; 
Fray Juan Perez, Doctor Garcia, 
Scarce realized the wondei's of that dayo 
The wives and sweethearts of the sailors then. 
Who feared their loved ones ne'er to see again. 
Were lost in marvelling, nor could scarce believe 
That home again the wanderers they receive; 
But they behold them with delighted eves, 



214 



COLUMBUS 



The heroes of a splendid enterprise; 

Each woman felt that justly pride she shared 

In those who had the ocean's mysteries dared. 

That very afternoon o'er Salte's Bar 
The Pinta sailed. Wild elemental war 
Had driven her across th' Atlantic wave 
Columbus feared her deep in w^atery grave. 
When she was lost unto the hero's sight, 
Ere the Azores were reached, amid the might 
Of the terrific tempest that outburst, 
Columbus dreaded even then the worst. 
But more tremendously the wild winds blew 
When from Saint Mary's Isle he sailed anew 
To reach the shores of Spain. On the third day, 
From Europe's shores a hundred leagues away. 
Once more fierce gales his lonely bark assailed. 
In six days' time, w^hen midnight black prevailed. 
The strongest gust his laboring vessel smote, 
wScarce could they keep the caravel afloat: 
The fury of that blast tore into shreds 
All sail she carried. O'er their wearied heads 



AJV EPIC POEM 215 

Swift sweeping clouds involved the sable sky, 
The bravest feared destruction frowninsr nig-h. 



The third of March with gloom v dawn 
appeared, 
The wind resistless more to westward veered, 
Throughout that day she drave before the blast 
With bare poles scudding 'neath a sky o'ercast. 

The last night came of homew^ard voyage 
long, 
The wind more loudly roared, with gusts more strong 
Than any yet throughout their lengthened course. 
Till midnisfht came increasino- with fell force. 
The densely clouded vault was deepest black, 
No faintest glint of star illumed their track 
As they onsped across the foam -clad sea, 
Wliile rain in torrents added misery 
Unto their luckless lot. In piteous plight 
They rode the storm: now on the giddv height 
Of some huge billow was the Nina tossed, 
Then in deep-yawning trough profound was lost. 



2i6 COLUMBUS 

The thunder pealed, the vivid levin glared, 
In angry flashes. 

All the seamen shared 
The fear that she the storm could not outlast. 
Little they dreamed that ere next day was past 
In Port Rastello they would anchor cast. 
Columbus feared that, in this raging war 
Of elemental fury spread so far, 
The Pinta must have foundered in the main. 
He ne'er expected her to see again. 

The gallant Pinta held her course aright. 
Through ceaseless storms that raged through day and 

night 
Bavonne she reached ; from that Biscayan port 
Martin Alonzo Pinzon sent report 
Unto the monarchs, how success had crowned 
The great emprize; he feared all rest were drowned. 
But, when the weather moderated, he 
From Port Bayonne adventured forth to sea. 
Round Ortegal and past the Douro's mouth 
The Pinta sailed, speeding towards the South. 



AN EPIC POEM 217 

Filled with unbounded joy he Palos won, 
While riding high shone the descending sun: 
Pinzon confounded and astonished eyed 
What met his gaze — the Nina he descried. 
Sounds of rejoicing smote his startled ears, 
While in his breast were roused unwonted fears. 
Columbus he determined not to face, 
Keenly his broken spirit felt disgrace. 
When he remembered how from his great chief 
He once deserted. Naught could give relief 
To liis remorse; none but a noble soul 
Could feel such whelming tide of sorrows roll 
At one defection. Nevermore he dared 
To meet Columbus, with whom once he shared 
Loving companionship. With broken heart 
He sought obscurity: his rankling smart 
Ere many days, was healed by life's sad close. 

Magnanimous and brave! thy fatal woes 
Were from one single act that smirched thy fame! 
Thy overwhelming grief redeems thy name! 



2i8 COLUMBUS 

The Convent of La Rabida once more 
Received Columbus, now no longer poor 
And buffeted remorselessly by Fate. 
Lofty deportment showed his altered state: 
But with the Prior, his beloved Fray, 
And with the deep -learned doctor Garcia, 
His ardent friendship nobly could downli\'e 
What w^ould have been false pride. He still could 

give 
To them the simple converse of a friend. 
And in their presence could all state unbend. 

Some twenty days had fled. One spring-time 
eve 
The three friends met, Columbus to take leave 
Ere he departed for the Court of Spain 

"Viceroy, and Admiral of Western Main!" 
The doctor sportive said, " Thy dignity 
Methinks thou bearest with benignity; 
The Prior and myself, two men obscure. 
Your Highness as companions doth endure." 



A^r EPIC POEM 219 

"Pray Doctor! cease thy jesting!" then 
Columbus said, "Ye are the noblest men 
Of any I e'er met. Dear friends to you 
I am no Don; for, this is doubtless true, 
I am beholden, and shall ever be. 
For all your helpful goodness won for me. 
There is one sorrow doth suffuse my heart. 
That our dear Pinzon holds himself apai't. 
Whither he's gone encpiiry cannot learn, 
To tell him of forgiveness how I yearn! 
A momentary weakness marred his life. 
That otherwise with meanness held keen strife." 

Just at this moment was a letter brought 
From those who, by the hero's orders, sought 
Pinzon to find. He glanced at it, then said, 
"Alas! mv friends! my dear companion's dead! 

Dead of a broken heart — o'erwhelmed with grief! 

Ah, me! the news is almost past belief!" 
Columbus paused, emotion choked each word, 
His utterance for grief was scarcely heard. 
"A navicrator <^ood and bold was he; 



220 COLUMBUS 

On setting forth he loyally with me 

Worked ceaselessly. By night he scarce took rest, 

While dauntlessly he steered towards the West; 

His gallant Pinta ever led the way, 

He ably led her both by night and day. 

Oft, on the pathless deep, we converse held. 

His cheerful voice my of t - felt grief dispelled: 

Take him for all in all I ne'er again, 

How oft soever I may cross the main, 

Shall sail with one where billows foaming roll. 

Whom I can love so well! Ah! noble soul! 

No dastard miscreant could feel deep shame 

Such as consumed thee, dying of self -blame!" 

Then spake the Prior, " Calm thyself, dear 
friend ! 
To Providence we all must humbly bend! 
I masses daily for his soul will say. 
That he may reach the realms of endless day." 

Columbus and his friends reluctant part. 
For ere the daybreak must the hero start 



AJV EPIC POEM 22 1 

To reach Seville, on his triumphant way 

To Barcelonii: there, amid display 

Magnificent, to be received in state 

With splendid guerdon, 'mid rejoicings great 

To be the cynosure of myriad eyes. 

To rea^o the grand result of his emprize. 



BOOK XII. 

ARGUMENT. 

Progress from Seville to Barcelona. The cortege described that enters the 
city. Grand reception of the Viceroy by the Spanish Monarchs. 
Columbus described. Speech by the Queen. The hero replies. King 
Ferdinand asks for full particulars, which are given by Columbus. 
Enthusiasm of the audience and gratitude of the monarchs. The Te 
Deum sung. Triumph of Columbus. 

Soon from Seville, whose fragrant orange groves 
No son of vSpain forgets where'er he roves, 
Columbus and his cortege take their way 
In full Viceregal State, with proud disjDlay. 
Over wide plains, adown deep vales, o'er crests 
Of mountain ranges whose long slopes he breasts, 
Onward he hastes; loud shouts of praise are heard 
Where'er he rides, for all wide Spain is stirred. 
Like to some royal progress through the land 
His strange assemblage moves. On every hand 
The regidors and alcaldes of each town 
As Viceroy hail him, while their plaudits crown 
The greatness that Columbus hath achieved; 



AN EPIC POEM 223 

Thus like some conqueror is he received. 

All town officials cheerfully obey, 

Throughout his lengthened and triumphant way, 

The King's command that homage shall be paid 

To his Viceroy, and every effort made 

To speed his march. Thus fitly entertained 

He ever is: Some would have fain detained 

The hero longer, but their King's demand 

For rapid progress clearlv gave command. 

Peasants and shepherds from each vale and hill 
Crowd village streets, their shouts the welkin fill^ 
They gather in gay groups as he rides by. 
Wonder and pleasure l^right'ning every eye. 
The densely -peojDled towns their thousands pour 
To greet his progress, loud aj^plauses roar 
With glad acclaim resounding ever3'where. 
While exclamations of surprise declare 
How admiration and deep wonder hold 
Each gazer, as he greets the hero bold. 

Passing Cordova, through Valentia, 



224 COLUMBUS 

Along the coast of Catalonia 
He marches onward, swiftly as he may; 
Most ardently he longs for that glad day 
When Barcelona shall be reached. The Court 
Now holds its fvmctions in that ancient port 
Of Arragon. 

Columbus drawing near — 
While yet a league away — beholds appear, 
To w^elcome him, a splendid cavalcade 
Of Spain's great nobles gallantly arrayed. 
Now an imposing company the gate 
Of Barcelona enters, crowds await 
The cortege there, and joyousl}' behold 
The Indians all bedecked with virgin gold: 
These natives, of the far lands he hath found, 
Have bows, and arms, and necks all richly bound 
With coronets, and chains, and bracelets fair, 
While gaudy plumes adorn their raven hair: 
Their copper - colored skins, their strange array, 
Awake surprise in those who line the way; 
The Indians of that long procession bear. 
On tawnv wrists, birds of bright plumage ]-are. 



AAT EPIC POEM 225 

With green and crimson feathers, or pure white, 
Secured by golden chains preventing flight; 
Macaws and parrots of most vivid hue 
The gazing crowds with admiration view. 
Nuggets and stones rich - veined with dazzhng gold 
Speak of that wealth the new-found land doth hold. 
Some of the ciew walk next and bear on high 
Strange plants and other products: none decry, 
In sight of these, the richness of that land 
O'er which Columbus holds Viceroy's command. 

On jet-black charger rides Columbus last 
That hero who the stormy deep hath passed; 
His venerable and majestic mien 
Lend him such grandeur as is rareh' seen. 
With him ride warlike counts and mail - clad knights, 
Warriors who oft have mixed in Moorish fisrhts. 
With pride they yield Columbus honor due. 
And in glad converse his brave deeds review; 
Thus gallantly the chivalry of Spain 
Escort the hero of the western main. 
Those who in days bygone had shown contempt, 



226 COLUMBUS 

Now praise the man whose glorious attempt 
Hath shed such splendor on the land of Spain. 
Some nobler souls can scarce from grief refrain 
When they remember how, in years gone by, 
They could in him no worthiness descry. 

Now Barcelona teems with multitudes, 
Who, by their gestures, shouts, and attitudes. 
Declare their admiration of the brave 
And patient hero who hath crossed the wave. 
From gay verandahs beauteous women gaze, 
And view the spectacle in glad amaze; 
Each street, nay every roof, the people crowd 
And rend the air with plaudits long and loud. 

The monarchs, who the truth can scarce 
believe. 
In public pomp the hero now receive. 
A splendid and a vast high -roofed hall. 
The largest found within the city wall, 
Befits the brilliant reception held. 
He, who hath known what 'tis to be repelled 



AN EPIC POEM -zz^j 

Time after time, after sad days beholds 
How now success before his gaze unfolds 
A triumph, such as Rome of yore oft gave 
To him who conquered by persistence brave. 

Two thrones were canopied with gold brocade; 
The long saloon, with banners bright arrayed, 
Was filled with courtiers, prelate;^, counsellors, 
Who welcome him of all discoverers 
The chiefest. He, with calm and solemn port. 
Worthy full well that proud and stately Court, 
Entered, amid the blare of trumpets loud. 
And plaudits of the glad exulting crowd. 
That brilliant saloon. The King and Queen, 
With Juan — heir- apparent — now are seen 
Upon the dais, at the further end. 
With gold o'ercanopied. All eyes now bend 
In admiration on the hero great 
As he advanceth , in Viceregal state 
Majestically passing up the hall. 

His lordly figure, firmly -knit and tall; 



228 COLUMBUS 

His dress magnificent; his handsome face 

UpHt with solemn joy, where eye may trace 

The marks of anxious cares through wearying years, 

But where inteUigence most rare appears 

To all who gaze; his venerahle locks, 

White as the driven snow, that tell how shocks 

And trials of misfortune smote him sore 

Through earlier years, when he — neglected, poor. 

And buffeted — had long and bravely waged 

A stubborn fight, that prematurely aged 

The hero great: all these were seen while trod 

Columbus slowly up the hall. A god 

Olympian he seemed, with noble port 

The goodliest man in all the Spanish Court. 

The thrones he reached, each sovereign stretched 
a hand, 
He knelt each hand to kiss; but swift command 
Entreats him to uprise, the monarchs own 
His splendid worth: on a Viceregal throne 
Upon that dais he is worthy deemed 
By them to sit. What courtier ever dreamed. 



AlV EPIC POEM 229 

In such a court, punctilious and proud, 

That an adventurer would be allowed 

Such unheard honor by Spain's King and Queen? 

That marvel by astonished eyes is seen! 

The Queen, while tears of joy unbidden shone 
In her sweet eyes, spake from her royal throne. 
"Welcome, Columbus! God hath blessed thy quest! 
My King and I esteem thee 'mong the best 
And noblest of our loving subjects here; 
Henceforth to all thy presence w^ill be dear: 
Highest in dignity, Ay! next the throne. 
Of our lay subjects, thee this day we own! 
Oh, worthy Admiral! patient and brave! 
Thou who hast dared to cross th' untraversed wave, 
To boldly pierce that dark, mysterious cloud 
Whose ebon pall no longer can enshroud 
Yond' Western World, declare in this our Court, 
Before all here, thy marvellous report!" 

With deep emotion, that subdued his voice, 
Columbus thus: "I cannot but rejoice. 



230 COLUMBUS 

Before my King- and Queen, that God hath blest 

The search ye granted, gave me strength to wrest 

The secret of the ages from the deep, 

The fruits of lengthened wearying toils to reap! 

Next to my God I honor and adore 

My sovereigns! What was I? Struggling, poor! 

Yet fired by Heaven itself with that grand thought, 

That glorious dream, with rich fruition fraught! 

Ye graciously, when closed Granada's war. 

Sent me with blessings on my quest afar; 

God shed his favor on our loving search 

To wide extend the pale of Holy Church!" 

His trembling voice gained strength while thus 
he sjDake 
Of that grand guerdon won, the tones awake 
A thrill of joy in all who hear his voice. 
His rapid speech proclaims no dubious choice 
What words to use. From his full heart outpours 
The burning eloquence that heavenward soars. 
Proclaiming chief his pious gratitude; 
Thus, while he speaks in reverent attitude. 



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E'en as when Stephen spake in days of old, 

The Hsteners an angel's face behold, 

For all his conntenance seraphic beams 

With heartfelt joy that crowns his lifelong dreams. 

In prond humility he ^pake, hidden was naught 

Of that great change the monarchs erstwhile wrought, 

When from his station low they him upraised; 

With fervent words of gratitude he praised 

Their potent kindness. 

Ferdinand spake thus, 
" Our noble Vicero}- ! gratitude to us. 
In splendid speech, full worthily expressed, 
Vou have declared! But, of ^'our daring C[uest, 
Of all your toils, the consummation won. 
The untold risks that in your search were run, 
Of these, this day, we long to fully hear. 
In them your grandeur brighter will appear! 
For true nobility dwells in your soul, 
Succeeding generations will extol 
What we acknowledge, 3'our Sagacity, 
Your heaven - born zeal whose fierce intensity 
Would brook nor interference nor delay. 



232 COLUMBUS 

That led you daiiiitlessly on steadfast way, 
Till glorious guerdon now in sight appears 
To crown magnificent your ripened years!" 

"My royal master!" thus Columbus said, 
" In my long journals of the quest you've read — 
They were despatched as soon as e'er I came 
To Portugal. But now will I proclaim 
To you, and to the Queen, and all the Court, 
The voyage and its end, so that report 
May truly speak, since what is seen or heard 
Is ever better than mere written word. 
These gentle natives in my train behold. 
Their coronets and jewels of pure gold 
The gleaming pearls from yonder distant strand. 
These birds and plants from that discovered land. 
I now most gladly in your ears relate 
What shall bring wealth and realms to swell your 

state. 
Need I? 'tis useless! speak of fruitless years? 
Of disappointments wringing cruel tears 
Of cruel pain? That grief is o'er and past! 



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No longer is my sky by shade o'ercast 

Of boding clouds! The sun of favor shines, 

Henceforth my grateful heart no more rejDines!" 

lie told how league on league, how day by 
day. 
Through dread uncertainties he urged his way 
Across that wide, mysterious, unsailed sea; 
How 'mid anxieties he told that he 
Through weary weeks, with naught hui waves around 
And skies above him, he still westward bound 
Sailed fearlessly, fulfilled with faith and hope 
That nerved him with fell mutiny to cope 
He told how Teneriffe's eruption scared 
The frighted crews, when fiery terrors glared 
Above its lofty cone. He spake also 
Of meteor that, all vividly aglow. 
From starry vault illumed their lonesome track; 
How oft his crews implored him to turn back. 
He spake of the Sargasso Sea whose weed 
Verdant and thick, appeared a submerged mead; 
How this strange sea affrighted each ship's crew 



234 COLUMBUS 

While they the sight unwonted held in view: 
How they would conjure up such fears absurd 
As onl\^ from unreason could be heard. 
They deemed our globe to be a widespread plain, 
And feared when darkness brooded o'er the main 
Their vessels o'er the utmost edge might sail, 
At such conjecture every cheek grew pale; 
Into abyss of Chaos they would fall 
Fear of such fate the stoutest must appal. 
Then he forthtold how ignorance brings fears. 
That knowledge and intelligence swift clears 
All grim forebodings, such as work delay 
And hinder science on her glorious way. 

"Here," then he said, "when land at last was 
found. 
When with exultant joy we trod the ground 
Of that fair isle, Guanahani green. 
Like Paradise itself appeared that scene; 
Then \vere forgotten weeks of anxious care 
That sight dispelled from timid souls despair. 



AJV EPIC POEM 235 

The moon fulfilled her wonted course three 
times, 
While we explored the marvels of these climes; 
Fragrance of spices loads the balmy breeze, 
Rich verdant islands stud these halcvon seas. 
Where archipelagoes, with strands pearl -strewn. 
Shimmer beneath the dazzling tropic noon: 
At Cubanaca, vast the mainland spreads 
Its fertile shores. The sun from heaven's cope sheds 
His brilliant beams on forests green and dense, 
That form deep shadows 'neath his light intense. 
Amid these forests precious spices grow. 
Mastic and balsams from the trees outflow. 
While loft}^ jDalms, with waving plumes all drest 
x\dorn these islands of the Golden West, j 
An embassage far inland here we sent, 
To ascertain the truth was our intent, 
To learn if the Grand Khan, who rules Cathay, 
Dwelt near these shores where we some while did 

stay ; 
Of him no tidings could we clearly learn. 



236 COLUMBUS 

Whereat our ships on eastward course must turn. 
'Twas near to Cuba Pinzon sailed away; 
In all save that as truthful as the day 
I ever found him, manl}^, skilful, brave, 
As any who with me hath dared the wave! 

In Cibao rich mines of gold abound, 
In Hayti's streams the sparkling grains we found; 
Fair pearls we saw, gathered from that far deep 
Wiiose priceless wealth the future years will reap. 
The people of these regions gentle are. 
Once only saw we any frown of wai". 
Pagans are they, e'en from the days of old, 
Converted millions soon shall swell the fold 
Of our Redeemer. Glorious is the thought 
That our discovery with such good is fraught! 

When we turned homeward, crossing the wide 
main 
On eastward course, to reach dear, longed-for Spain. 
When half was crossed of the Atlantic deep 
Then adverse headwinds o'er the wave did sw^eep. 



237 



AN EPIC POEM 

Storm upon storm assailed our troubled course, 
Each one more violent in tempestuous force, 
Our undecked vessels under bare poles drave. 
While day by day threatened an ocean grave. 
As raged one storm our ships were parted far. 
Nor met agfain until o'er Salte's Bar. 



To tell your Majesties, and all the Court, 
To give of all the wondei's full report, 
Or to describe those countless, beauteous isles 
Where an eternal summer ever smiles. 
Would need a long - told story day by day, 
Not half — e'en then — could my discourse display. 
Thanks be to God that He hath blessed my quest, 
And opened up the Spacious Golden West!" 

Thus did the navigator clear unfold 
The dangers conquered ere he could behold 
The blessed goal he sought. Poets have sung 
His daring deeds, how fear aside he flung, 
How, full of patience 'mid distressful woes, 
Columbus triumphed over all his foes. 



238 COLUMBUS 

The listening monarchs hung on everv word, 
So clearly spoken that all conrtiers heard; 
The audience vast a breathless silence kept, 
The pious Queen at his recountal wept. 
His goodly presence and his aspect grave; 
His beaming eyes that oft had scanned the wave; 
His noble brow; his pure white, silvery hair; 
His handsome face, deep - lined with marks of care; 
His full - toned, ringing voice, in music rich; 
The words of burning eloquence, in which 
He spake of dangers and of triumphs past; 
These o'er all listeners a glamour cast: 
Worthy is he — they said — of honors given. 
The favorite beloved indeed of Heaven. 

His long account being o'er, the monarchs fall 
Upon their knees; thousands, in that vast hall, 
Kneel overwhelmed by deep amaze, and lift 
Their hearts to Heaven for the astounding gift 
Of such success. Sweet choristers now sing 
The grand Te Deum, loud their voices ring, 
Upraising thankful strains in harmony, 



AN EPIC POEM 239 

Proclaiming "All the earth doth worship Thee!" 
The harps and viols' tuneful, quivering strings 
Sweetly vibrate: the loud - toned trumpet flings 
Its joyful notes abroad to swell the song, 
The shawm and sweet - toned psaltery prolong 
The heavenly strain: the diapason's roll 
Of thunderous organ stirs the dullest soul: 
Voices and instruments commingling rise 
In concert worthy even of the skies. 

Amid these sounds, viewing the gorgeous 
sight, 
Columbus feels the Conqueror's delight; 
Whatever days this glad one may succeed. 
He hath achieved his quest by splendid deed; 
He feels that this so longed - for, dreamed - of day 
Repays for all the irksome, toilsome wav: 
All dangers overcome his goal is won, 
His noble task hath gloriouslv been done I 



